Malachi 3:13-20
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 11:5-13
TURNING TOWARDS GOD
Our readings from the Old Testament over the past three weeks explore Israel’s history, from the end of the Babylonian exile and rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple, to about a hundred years before Christ, with Baruch. The returning remnant faced many obstacles—opposition, poverty, and smaller numbers—limiting their effort to rebuild the temple. Haggai and Zachariah recall the hopes and promises to rebuild the Temple. Fifty years after the exile, these prophets stirred the people to fulfill their dreams.
Today we examine the Book of Malachi, written in the mid-5th century BC. In Malachi 3:13-20, God comforts those upset that sinners seem to prosper while the faithful suffer. He assures them that judgment is near, and the righteous will shine like the sun. The Gospel (Lk 11:5-13) continues yesterday’s lesson on prayer, teaching that God answers prayer—not necessarily with what we ask, but with responses if we are persistent, seek, knock, ask, and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Fr Joseph Osho