Daily Retreat 09/26/09
2009 Sep 26 Sat:Ordinary Weekday/ BVM/ Cosmas and Damian, mts
Zec 2:5-9. 14-15a/ Jer 31:10. 11-12ab. 13/ Lk 9:43b-45
From today’s readings:“See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.... The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.... Pay attention to what I am telling you!”
The Lord Remembers
The name Zechariah literally means “the Lord remembers” - it’s a beautiful name, quite common in the Bible, including, of course, as found in the book of the prophet Zechariah, who was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai.
While both prophets focused the people’s attention on the need to complete the rebuilding of the Lord’s Temple, their styles are quite different. Haggai spoke in rather simple, straight-forward language, whereas Zechariah prophesied in more complex visions, using symbols and colorful imagery.
The words of Zechariah and all the prophets, especially when difficult to understand, often contain a number of “layers” of meanings: first of all, the words as understood by those who heard the prophet speaking; second, the words as prophecy (often indirect) about the coming Messiah (Jesus); third, the words as universal message from God for all peoples and places (including us!). This concept of different “layers” of meaning (particularly evident in the prophetic books) also often applies to other words of the Bible, including the words of Christ (cf. the Gospel passage).
This does not imply, however, that the words can mean whatever we want them to! But by considering these different layers of meanings, we can (and should!) gain more from reading prophetic texts. The first reading, from chapter two of Zechariah, is an excellent example, so read it three times: First, think of yourself as a contemporary of Zechariah (living in the desolate city of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile) - how would you find comfort in his words? Second, think of the ways many of his words give us hints about the Messiah (e.g., the idea of God literally dwelling with His people). Finally, consider why God wants YOU to reflect TODAY on these words of His!
Zec 2:5-9. 14-15a/ Jer 31:10. 11-12ab. 13/ Lk 9:43b-45
From today’s readings:“See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.... The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.... Pay attention to what I am telling you!”
The Lord Remembers
The name Zechariah literally means “the Lord remembers” - it’s a beautiful name, quite common in the Bible, including, of course, as found in the book of the prophet Zechariah, who was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai.
While both prophets focused the people’s attention on the need to complete the rebuilding of the Lord’s Temple, their styles are quite different. Haggai spoke in rather simple, straight-forward language, whereas Zechariah prophesied in more complex visions, using symbols and colorful imagery.
The words of Zechariah and all the prophets, especially when difficult to understand, often contain a number of “layers” of meanings: first of all, the words as understood by those who heard the prophet speaking; second, the words as prophecy (often indirect) about the coming Messiah (Jesus); third, the words as universal message from God for all peoples and places (including us!). This concept of different “layers” of meaning (particularly evident in the prophetic books) also often applies to other words of the Bible, including the words of Christ (cf. the Gospel passage).
This does not imply, however, that the words can mean whatever we want them to! But by considering these different layers of meanings, we can (and should!) gain more from reading prophetic texts. The first reading, from chapter two of Zechariah, is an excellent example, so read it three times: First, think of yourself as a contemporary of Zechariah (living in the desolate city of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile) - how would you find comfort in his words? Second, think of the ways many of his words give us hints about the Messiah (e.g., the idea of God literally dwelling with His people). Finally, consider why God wants YOU to reflect TODAY on these words of His!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/25/2009
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