Daily Retreat 08/05/08
2008 Aug 5 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome
Jer 30: 1-2. 12-15. 18-22/ Ps 101(102): 16-18. 19-21. 29 and 22-23/ Mt 14: 22-36 or Mt 15: 1-2. 10-14
From today’s readings: “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.... The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all His glory.... O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The Book of Consolation
At first glance, Jeremiah’s prophecy certainly is most distressing and depressing - the lectionary first reading selections in the past weeks have provided us with a fair sampling of Jeremiah’s penchant for “bad news.”
However, in the ruins of all the gloom and doom, Jeremiah’s message still preserves the unshakeable conviction that God can be found with comfort and consolation for the faithful remnant of His people. To emphasize this, the lectionary coverage of Jeremiah’s book closes on chapters 30-31, the “Book of Consolation” which God instructed Jeremiah to write for His people in one of their darkest hours.
Chapter 29, although written by Jeremiah for slightly different circumstances, also sings the message of comfort, so although it is omitted in the lectionary, I urge you to read it, especially vv. 11-14 (my favorite passage in the Book of Jeremiah):
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope! When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the LORD, and I will change your lot...
Jer 30: 1-2. 12-15. 18-22/ Ps 101(102): 16-18. 19-21. 29 and 22-23/ Mt 14: 22-36 or Mt 15: 1-2. 10-14
From today’s readings: “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.... The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all His glory.... O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The Book of Consolation
At first glance, Jeremiah’s prophecy certainly is most distressing and depressing - the lectionary first reading selections in the past weeks have provided us with a fair sampling of Jeremiah’s penchant for “bad news.”
However, in the ruins of all the gloom and doom, Jeremiah’s message still preserves the unshakeable conviction that God can be found with comfort and consolation for the faithful remnant of His people. To emphasize this, the lectionary coverage of Jeremiah’s book closes on chapters 30-31, the “Book of Consolation” which God instructed Jeremiah to write for His people in one of their darkest hours.
Chapter 29, although written by Jeremiah for slightly different circumstances, also sings the message of comfort, so although it is omitted in the lectionary, I urge you to read it, especially vv. 11-14 (my favorite passage in the Book of Jeremiah):
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope! When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the LORD, and I will change your lot...
posted by FrPitstick | 8/05/2008
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