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Tuesday of the ThirdWeek of Advent
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 & 23
MT 21:28-32
Summary
In Zephaniah’s prophecy, an angry Lord warns the people of Jerusalem that
their current lifestyle will ultimately destroy them if they continue to worship
false gods and idols. Contributing to that, Matthew demonstrates – via his para-
ble about the two sons – that abiding by God – and humbling oneself for him –
is the only true way to live.
Reflection
Religious degradation became the common life in Jerusalem during the first
decade of Josiah’s reign.The extremity the peoples’ lifestyle triggered God to in-
tervene,
promising numerous threats of punishment. Near the top of his list of was a re-
curring idolatry from the past, that of worshiping “sun, moon and stars.”
The first two chapters of Zephaniah’s diminutive book of three short chapters
are pure threats: The Bible titles chapter one as :”A Day of Doom”, and Chapter
2 as,“A Day of Judgment”, summarizing the 1st chapter as ”an overwhelming
disaster”.Additionally, the first words of the book prophesy Lord’s pure anger:“I
will sweep away all things from the earth.”Not such a pleasant prospect.
So here we are at Chapter three, wherein God finally gives the people an option,
but not before warning “Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyranni-
cal city!”The love of his people begins to sneak in as he first tells them,“I will
change and purify the lips of the peoples.”He forgives them, continues on with
his list of commands, basically telling them to serve him, to do no wrong, speak
no lies, not to gossip, etc.
The Lord speaks like what a strict but loving parent might do with a tempestu-
ous child. But how to interpret a powerful
prophesy like this can sometimes be challeng-
ing.
I have often thought about the quizzical nature
of God, especially in the Old Testament.Many
people take the entire bible literally. I appreci-
ate that they read the whole bible, however