13 November 2022 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.
From Malachi 3:19-20, NRSV
Malachi’s prophecies came around the time of the return of the Jews from their time in Exile. This was not an easy time for them and Malachi observed the complaints that some made against God. Many had lost heart and began to question the good of following God when they saw those who behaved wickedly seeming to prosper. Through Malachi, God assured the people that they were not forgotten – indeed the Lord has kept a record of all those who had remained faithful. Malachi foretold the coming of a day when God would come like a “blazing furnace”. This would be a day of retribution for those who had been unfaithful but a day of joy and healing for the righteous.
- What do you think enabled some people to remain faithful when there was no immediate sign of hope for them?
- What sustains you in your faith?
Pray for those who have lost faith or who struggle to remain faithful to God.
