Fear not, my people!"


Today's Mass Readings

Over the past two weeks we have been reflecting on the theme of the Babylonian exile, the eventual return of the people back to Judah, and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Nowhere has the reason for the exile more clearly explained or the future course of action more categorically prescribed than in today's first reading. Let us take a look at both these aspects. In the first reading the Prophet Baruch says,
“Remember, Israel,
You were sold to the nations
not for your destruction;
It was because you angered God
that you were handed over to your foes.
For you provoked your Maker
with sacrifices to demons, to no-gods;
You forsook the Eternal God who nourished you,
and you grieved Jerusalem who fostered you” (Bar 4:5-6)

This judgement on Judah seems very harsh and indeed it is. What lesson does that provide for us? It is telling us that sin is no small matter. The consequence of sin seems to be tilted heavily against human beings because God can choose to punish human beings for their sins. However, this conclusion is hardly fair. Any parent would tell us how deeply it hurts when children mess up their lives. Parents hurt deeply at their children’s misdeeds. No parent enjoys punishing their children either. In fact, the punishment is equally painful for the parent. In the same way, sin hurts God deeply. God suffers much at our sins. But as today’s reading tell us, even the punishment hurts God. Thus, the disobedience of the people causes much pain to God and to them.

And that is why later in the reading Baruch advises his people to take a definite course of action. He suggests,
“As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,
turn now ten times the more to seek him” (Bar 4:28).

Moreover, God rejoices at the prospect of reconciliation with his people. As Baruch proclaims, “For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy” (Bar 4:29).

This last point is the theme of today’s gospel reading. Jesus had just sent his disciples two by two to preach that “the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Luke 10:9). Now the disciples come back with joy. They have seen the work of God’s redemption in action and they rejoice in it.

Let our lives bring joy not pain to God. On the other hand let us, like the disciples, never fail to proclaim God’s mercy to those who need it. The joy of working for God’s kingdom is incomparable to any earthly joy.