Daily Retreat 10/02/07
2007 Oct 2 Tue: The Guardian Angels M
Zec 8: 20-23/ Ps 86(87): 1b-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Mt 18: 1-5. 10
From today’s readings: “Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD.... God is with us.... See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in Heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father....”
Getting the bigger picture
In spite of violence in the Middle East, Jerusalem has been a central place of pilgrimage for centuries. We must remember that this was not yet the case when the first reading's prophecy was uttered - remember, Zechariah was prophesying to the inhabitants of a ruined city. The idea that one day Jerusalem would be a "hot destination" (at least for religious reasons) must have seemed an almost impossible dream at the time.
The whole Bible can be read as the gradual unfolding of God's Revelation, which reached its fullness in the Incarnation of Jesus and His mission of the effects of His saving death in Jerusalem reaching to the ends of the earth and the end of time.
Like Zechariah, you and I are faced with some signs of spiritual desolation and a need to rebuild the moral foundations of our civilization. Rather than being discouraged by how much needs to be done, we need to be encouraged by this revelation and prophecy of how much God has said WILL get done - because God is with us!
Zec 8: 20-23/ Ps 86(87): 1b-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Mt 18: 1-5. 10
From today’s readings: “Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD.... God is with us.... See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in Heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father....”
Getting the bigger picture
In spite of violence in the Middle East, Jerusalem has been a central place of pilgrimage for centuries. We must remember that this was not yet the case when the first reading's prophecy was uttered - remember, Zechariah was prophesying to the inhabitants of a ruined city. The idea that one day Jerusalem would be a "hot destination" (at least for religious reasons) must have seemed an almost impossible dream at the time.
The whole Bible can be read as the gradual unfolding of God's Revelation, which reached its fullness in the Incarnation of Jesus and His mission of the effects of His saving death in Jerusalem reaching to the ends of the earth and the end of time.
Like Zechariah, you and I are faced with some signs of spiritual desolation and a need to rebuild the moral foundations of our civilization. Rather than being discouraged by how much needs to be done, we need to be encouraged by this revelation and prophecy of how much God has said WILL get done - because God is with us!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/30/2007
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