Prophets - March 8, 2023

Today’s readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; Jer. 3:6-18; Rom. 1:28-2:11; John 5:1-18

Prophets really fascinate me. As a kid, I watched fantasy flick "The Neverending Story". I loved that film. While reading a book, the boy is compelled on an amazing adventure in search and fulfillment of a prophesy to bring hope to the world by giving the princess a new name. There are oracles, amusing characters, and perilous challenges.

Today we read from the prophet Jeremiah. It is another of our appointed passages perfectly suited for Lent. Jeremiah speaks the truth of the day to the people of God, who continue to go astray from God. Here is the part I am most drawn toward:  

Return, O faithless children,

says the Lord,

   for I am your master;

I will take you, one from a city and two from a family,

   and I will bring you to Zion.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. (3:14, 15)

Jeremiah's words speak of how God will move faithful people from place to place at times, and yet they will be cared for and nourished. These poetic verses are beautiful as I sit with them on a Wednesday morning, preparing to head out of town for a conference in Jacksonville, Florida, with the leadership of our parish.

May you and I know and feel the compassionate care of God today, as we repent of the ways we have been astray. As we have been stubborn and self-focused. God waits for us to return to fix our hearts on the Divine. There is hope and healing in store for us on this adventure.

Katherine+

Challenge and Self-Reflection: In the season of Lent, when we talk about repentance and returning to God, what characteristics of God do you imagine? What do you feel when you think about God?