13 December 2022

For I will leave in the midst of you
a people humble and lowly.
They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord—
   the remnant of Israel;
they shall do no wrong
and utter no lies,
nor shall a deceitful tongue
be found in their mouths.
Then they will pasture and lie down,
and no one shall make them afraid.

From Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13, NRSV

In the earlier part of this reading, the prophet has some stern words of warning for the people of Jerusalem for their lack of trust and fidelity in the Lord. He describes them as “rebellious” and “defiled” and denounces the city they occupy as an “oppressing” place. He warns them that trouble is coming and this came about when Jerusalem was overthrown by the forces of Babylon and her people taken into slavery. The end of the reading is very different. Here the prophet foretells a time when there will be peace for the  “remnant of Israel” – the humble and lowly people who, after a time of great suffering, have learned to trust in God and to seek God’s forgiveness and guidance.

• • Was it necessary for the people of Israel to suffer in order to rediscover their reliance on God? 
  • What does it mean to be humble and lowly?

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, you may like to reflect on why it was that Jesus was born into humble surroundings and amongst humble people.