Day 92 Jephthah's Vow
DAY 92: Judges 9-11; Ruth 4; Psalm 137
GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS
If you’ve ever watched the show Everybody loves Raymond - while the title says the main character is Ray Barone, who’s a husband, a father, a brother, a son - anyone who has watched the show that it’s not really all about him. It should be Marie - the Mother who whether she’s on-screen or not, the story is just as much about her as it is about her son. The same is true for the Book of Ruth. It’s not just a story about this gentile woman whose Jewish husband dies and how that tragedy leads her to truly discover and know the God of Israel. It’s equally a story about Naomi - herself a widow who went through the unbelievable additional losses of both of her sons. An understandable sadness that had her saying that she no longer saw herself as nothing but “bitter” that she changes her name to that.
But God never recognized that name change. Through Ruth, He was sending her a message of His love for her.
Yes He saw her unimaginable grief. Yes He knew her pain. And He uses this most unlikely of circumstances and vulnerable of environments to establish the lineage that will bring forth not just one, but two significant offspring. First King David - and then eventually, God’s own son, Jesus. As we come to the end of this short, but significant book it’s important to review all that.
Boaz in the historical, societal norms of that day and age, “redeems” Ruth from being a childless widow. But that’s only part of the story. For all of our women readers, who understandably might have felt that these old testament scriptures seem to treat women as less than men - we read how this “gentile” woman’s simplicity, selflessness, and love have made her “more than seven sons.”

We can’t ever underestimate the importance of genuine, sincere love. But even more how God was working through this story of a mother and her daughter-in-law. God includes them into the very fabric of the story of salvation in an unmistakably essential way: As Naomi holds her grandson in her arms, we have to imagine her not being able to call herself “bitter” anymore. She understandably loved and would always miss her husband and sons. But with the birth of her grandson, her grief is turned to joy. A joy that, as wonderful as it truly is, she’s only getting a glimpse of the full measure of which is to come.
The stage is being set where our God will enter into the deep human sadness and despair of our brokenness and sin and will redeem it through His son Jesus. The misery of the entire history of humanity will be turned into joy...

Day 93 Strengths and Weaknesses
DAY 93: Judges 12- 15; Psalm 146:
NOT SKIPPING THE HARD PARTS
The book of Judges seems to get worse by the day and for some, this is where they stop reading. Which I completely understand. Everyone’s at a different point in their faith journeys. Even though we’ve shared many times that just because something is in the bible doesn’t mean it’s God approved or what He intended or hoped for, doesn’t make it easier to navigate these chapters.
One of the things that make Judges fascinating and an important read is precisely because it is so awful.

The reality is there is no “white-washing” or editing the story to make the people look a certain way, to make God act in certain ways that would be the temptation of very human writers who would be interested in telling a story of their own creation. This is a historical record of some of the worst of Jewish history reminding us that this is a very real religion. These places are historical places, these people lived and walked in these cities and lands... and some of them did some really sinful stuff. And some did some really horrendous stuff.
All the while, God is remaining faithful to His covenant and at the same time having to react and respond to the messes of humanity, continues to try to guide and lead and correct His people, and oftentimes has to make a new way out of a new mess that humanity has wandered into.
The consoling message to me is that in the face of modern human atrocities, it’s easy to imagine God has abandoned His people. That His favor has lifted, His blessings ceased, and we’re either being left to our own devices or being punished for some (or many) wrongdoing. God is not angry, dismissive, or silent.
As we see the figure of Samson step forward, the might and power in him aren’t from supplements or great training, but a supernatural gift. Which is what makes his arrival welcome news. Yet the truth remains, that “supernatural power” only remains as Samson remains faithful. He’s not in possession of this on his own power or for his own glory. When he forgets that, the unfortunate cycle we find difficult to read (and even more, struggle within our own lives) continues.
Yet, the mere presence of this book shows a remarkably patient and loving God who continues to not give up on us... with the hope that perhaps His people will try to stop making it so hard for Him to do so.

Day 94 Samson and Delilah
DAY 94: Judges 16-18; Psalm 147
CUSTODY OF THE EYES
Most people who are familiar with the story of Samson might summarize it as “the ultimate of bad haircuts.” Yet just finishing reading the entire story, we know that’s not the case. It wasn’t Samson’s hair that was the problem - it was his eyes. Yes, he had followed the “Nazarite vow” of not shaving. But it was more than an external list of requirements for personal hygiene and what is obvious was that there was not the internal transformation and conviction of heart that the vow had required. Throughout his life, Samson had fallen into temptations and has not been an honorable and faithful man. His eyes which had lusted after women throughout his life, in this last episode after lusting after Delilah, would cost him his life.
The sad ending for one of Israel’s judges reminds us of the reality that rarely does one fall into sin out of the blue. A person abusing drugs doesn’t set about to become a hard-core addict - it was a moment of weakness - I’m too tired, too stressed, want to feel different - than an offer to just try something that internally we know is wrong where that battle was really lost. Or for someone who has an adulterous affair. Rarely did that “just happen.” There were most likely flirtations, there was a distancing from one's spouse, there was some lack of honesty that entered and created the environment where that sin somehow became a justifiable option.
The hopeful note is that, even here before Jesus, Samson experiences a final redemption. As he calls out to God, his voice is not ignored... his prayer is heard. The Lord uses Samson’s contrition and newfound humbleness in this lowly condition to punish the evil that is being committed by the Philistines. In a sense, it’s the ultimate of deathbed confessions and conversions.
In our reflection on this, the call is to confront and reject sin in its smallest (most venial states) - and if (or rather when) we screw up, not to wait or allow the devil to continue to twist our minds and heart in justification games and excuses... setting ourselves up for worse sins or the possibility of not being able to repent.

Day 95 The Sin of Benjamin
DAY 95 - Judges 19-21; Psalm 148
WHO KNEW JUDGES COULD BE EVIL???
Having a book titled “Judges” there’s an inherent sense of rightness, justice simply in the name - that this whole experience of reading this book for the last week has been beyond disconcerting. One fellow traveler in this Bible in a Year group in a message simply said “even stories and people I thought I knew, I’m learning really quickly how they are far from the heroes I had in my head. Had you asked me about Samson before this study, I would have had him on the “good guy list” from the Bible.”
And that was before we even got to these ending chapters where rape, murder, using and abusing, a shrug of the shoulders mentality has taken hold where, we read again those jarring - yet sadly, all too familiar words: Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Pope Benedict XVI years ago wrote, warning about the “dictatorship of relativism” - a world in which there are no “absolute truths” where it goes beyond someone saying “don’t tell me what to do” - to “don’t tell anyone what to do.” It’s said that there’s nothing new under the sun, and this awful walk through the book of Judges seems to bare out the negative aspects of that saying.
When we look at our world, our country, our lives - we can see the effect of this “relativism.” How many sinful things do we encounter on a regular basis that we just put up with saying “well I can’t avoid it... it's just life?” I remember Fr. Mike in a talk he gave to thousands of college students talking about how at one point he had never watched a particular TV show because even though it was on network TV in prime time some of the language, characters, and situations were just not right. Then he ended up seeing the show a few times and then before he knew it said he found himself laughing at some of the antics just kind of dismissing it as “oh that’s just so-and-so” referring to some particular character in the series.
That’s how sin metastasizes. These judges at some point started out on the right path. But was it pride or power, was it arrogance, or envy that crept in? Things they allowed to sit there, deep within, and turned them on this path to ruin? The point is, the minute these judges, or any one of us “does what is right in our eyes” - it’s not too long before we see how quickly the noblest, most virtuous of individuals falters

Day 96 Hannah's Prayer
DAY 96: 1 Samuel 1-2; Psalm 149
HANNAH AND MARY: EXULTANT HEARTS
We made it out of Judges in one piece! Listening to Fr. Mike’s reflections on those closing chapters yesterday, I smiled that we both found ourselves drawn to a similar conclusion on “relativism.” (For the most part, I’ve been pre-reading these scriptures and writing my reflections the night before the podcast drops since they were getting to be too late for me, so it’s been interesting for me to see when we find ourselves focusing on similar themes)
Fortunately, our attention now moves to the birth, raising, and calling of one of God’s great prophets, Samuel. One of the beautiful things that stood out to me was Chapter 2 which is called “Hannah’s Prayer.” Catholic priests and religious as part of our daily prayer, every evening pray the “Magnificat” from the Gospel of Luke which is very similar to Hannah’s prayer, but in that instance, is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s song of praise at the conception of Jesus by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.
It’s so beautiful to recognize how essential these two women, these two Mothers were in the story of salvation. Hannah is almost a prelude to the Blessed Virgin Mary - And Samuel will be important in establishing the importance of David, which will be the “royal lineage” that Jesus’ family roots will tie to. We can find all sorts of interesting parallels between Hannah and Mary - two miraculous conceptions; two women whose hearts were perfectly attuned to serving the Lord God; two women who overcame fear; two women who trusted the messages they received from the Lord.
But most striking is seeing the effect of these realities in their lives. They both are moved into deeper humility, reverence, and awe. There’s not a whiff of entitlement or frustration that things didn’t happen a particular way. There are simply hearts that are filled with wonder and praise. “My heart exults in the Lord” Hannah cries - “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord” Mary echos.
After reading of the horrors of disobedience and lack of faith, enter these holy women who call our attention back to the beauty of faithfulness and the blessings of God.

Day 97 Samuel's Prophecy
DAY 97: 1 Samuel 3-5; Psalm 150
NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE
Most priests know the story of “The Lord Calls Samuel” - it is usually included in some manner in discernment retreats and reflections throughout our time in Seminary. There’s beauty in the simplicity of Samuel being taught to identify the Lord’s voice and the proper response, but the chapter was usually cut off at Samuel responding to the Lord. Not included in our reflections is the first prophecy he has to deliver which is indeed bad news for Eli.
It is interesting that Eli, has to threaten the prophet-in-training that should he not share what the Lord had told him, Samuel would be cursed with worse than what God had promised Eli. Interesting though when you stop and think about that for a second:
Eli knew. He knew that it wasn’t good news coming his way. He knew that what he had done in God’s eyes, the “iniquity, the blasphemy” had put him out of God’s favor.
Despite countless experiences so far, God’s people haven’t learned that they cannot manipulate God or force him to act in a way of their want or liking. This is even more dramatically demonstrated in the next chapter. After the Israelites lose in war to the Philistines, thinking “we know how to FORCE God to fight for us, we’ll bring the Ark of the Covenant into battle.”
This seems like one of the worst blasphemies we’ve encountered so far. This most sacred of items, intricately designed by God Himself as a place where His presence would remain among them, they wield out as a weapon in the battle for a fight of their own choosing, not God’s? (Good reminder to be careful about using God and His word for one’s own purposes...)
Rather than them protecting the Ark, recognizing its sacredness and its importance to them and their identity, they put it at risk for their own selfish wants. It probably never even crossed their minds that they could actually lose the ark; forgetting how often they had squandered God’s blessings, His love, and protection, His favor... which really should pale in comparison to this sad chapter.
It’s really not that earth-shattering of a revelation, that if people don’t want to lose sacred things, they shouldn’t act sacrilegious. Yet from the Garden of Eden up till our day and age, humanity acts as if it is. The effects and impacts are indeed constantly earth-shattering, and debilitating. But that’s not news. What is, is what God is able to do with faithful, obedient servants who instead of following those selfish human impulses constantly say with sincerity of heart: Speak Lord, your servant hears.

Day 98 Israel Asks For a King
DAY 98: 1 Samuel 6-8; Psalm 86
REVERENCE FOR GOD
Reading about the effects of the Ark of the Covenant having been lost by the Israelites to the Philistines, it’s fascinating to see how these non-Jewish people seem to have a better respect for the Lord God than some of those who had entered into covenant with Him.
The Philistines, after seeing their gods defeated, after suffering plagues themselves, what is their response? They need to repent of their sinfulness in capturing the ark, they need to make a guilt offering, and they need to return the ark to God’s people. It’s the complete opposite of what happened in Egypt... in that instance, we kept reading of this “hardening” on the part of Pharaoh whose arrogance, whose anger, whose ego would not let go, even after all of those things resulted in the death of his firstborn. The Philistines experience a mere fraction of the devastation and their remembering of the history of God and how he protects His people was enough to say, “enough.” They have the humility to concede that their “gods” were no match for the Lord God.
Yet the Israelites - well at least about 70 of them - somewhat remarkably as well - seem to lack that reverence that these “enemies” had. Only the priests were permitted to look at the ark itself, not even they were to look inside it. Yet this group of 70 did just that... which results in their death. Have to wonder if these were some of the folks who had thought it was a good idea to use the ark in the first place to force Him to fight for them in the battle with the Philistines, resulting in their losing the ark.
It’s kind of confounding to imagine people who aren’t even believers having more respect, more fear, more awe for God than those who claim to be His people. (Perhaps they need another 40 years in the wilderness   ) But remarkably, as we come to the end of this section of Judges, we see God giving in to their requests for their own King. Setting the stage for God to enter into the history of humanity in a way our ancestors could never have imagined - as we have our first “Messianic checkpoint” starting tomorrow 

Day 99 The Word Became Flesh
DAY 99: John 1-3; Proverbs 5: 1-6
IN THE BEGINNING
I’m curious to hear what everyone else’s experience is reading these first chapters of John after 98 days in the Old Testament. You’ve probably picked up Fr. Mike’s excitement in anticipation of this first Messianic checkpoint that we’re beginning today. I’m sure part of it is as Catholic Christians, there’s excitement in delving into stories and passages we’re more familiar with than those of the Old Testament. It’s also a welcome break after going through some of those difficult books and chapters most recently.
But if I had to guess, Fr. Mike was probably most excited about the fact that we’re jumping into John as our first foray into the New Testament.
Why is John first? Matthew’s gospel is intentionally the first Gospel presented in the New Testament... It was considered almost the “definitive” account in the Early Church. The Gospel of Mark is considered the first written. Luke’s Gospel has a much more historical perspective that ties much of the Old Testament to the life of Christ. Those three gospels - Matthew, Mark and Luke are often called “the Synoptic [greek for “same eye”] Gospels.” This means that if you were to lie them next to each other, there’s a lot of correlation between the stories and narratives. They are in a sense three different witness testimonies that have certain nuances and differences to events that they witnessed and experienced in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
John is incredibly unique. His Gospel was written last of the four. He writes in a very different style, has things that happened in the life of Christ in a different order, and shares other stories and episodes that the Synoptic authors don’t. Which points to a highly reflective, theological work that is very refined and thorough. Which personally always made this book a bit of a challenge to engage with. Being A.D.D. - I often found myself drawn to Mark who writes with a ferocity and energy that you almost can hear the breathlessness and passion as he has a story to tell.
But the gift of this Bible in a Year study for me was triggered by watching the television series “The Chosen," which reminded me of an incredible point that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought about in probably over 2 decades since I first studied John. Which is how John as he sat down to tell the story of Jesus Christ, he unites the Old and New Testaments, repeating the first three words in which the Bible opens: In the beginning. It’s more than just a neat literary trick. This is setting the entire tone and perspective from the outset: The brokenness that entered into God’s creation will be healed by Jesus. John from the outset is making it clear who Jesus is by making parallels with Genesis - “God created the heavens and the earth” / “all were made through Him [Jesus] and without Him, nothing came to be.” “God said ‘Let there be light’ / Jesus is revealed as the light - that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... And so on... John will mirror the days of creation with the life of Christ. Jesus is the New-Adam, ushering in a New creation a re-creation of God’s design.

Taking our journey so far together walking through the Old Testament, it will be exciting to hear and read how we have a new appreciation for the Gospel of John, and more importantly, what new encounters we will experience ourselves with Jesus Christ.

Day 100 This Is My Body
DAY 100: John 4-6; Proverbs 5: 7-14
SACRAMENTS
One of the thoughts that came to mind listening to Fr. Mike yesterday (as well as Jeff Cavins and Fr Mike’s intro to this Messianic Checkpoint) is the abundance of things to take in as we read through these chapters. I laughed when Fr Mike sounded kind of at a loss with how to deal with the tons of stuff that can pop up just from these few chapters and said something like “just take in what you can...”
That’s not a cop-out. It’s highlighting the point that they were making about how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. He’s not just checking off boxes of different expectations people had for the Messiah - He’s blowing those expectations up and showing up and out in so many ways that it’s hard to take it all in. For example - in these three chapters - we hear some of the most beloved stories in the Gospel of John. Every third year in lent, we read the story of the Woman of Samaria at the well... the story of the man in Jerusalem healed near the pools of Siloam... Jesus walking on the Sea, the feeding of the five thousand with loaves and fish turns into the “Bread of Life discourse.” Each of those chapters contains layers of things to focus on. For simplicity's sake, I’ll just point out how Catholic these chapters are in sharing biblical foundations to two of our Sacraments.

Look at how in so many of those stories we see how water is a significant part of the way that brings people into a relationship with Jesus - which is precisely what Baptism does. The feeding of the 5,000 occurs as Passover is approaching and then Jesus even more explicitly talks about the need to eat His flesh and drink His blood - which couldn’t be a more clear reference to the Eucharist.
Think of how much water featured in our Old Testament journey - creation, Noah, exodus, water from the rock in the desert wanderings... All of those stories are echoed in these stories in some shape or form... All of these stories are our stories as we experienced Baptism, and as we go into our churches and bless ourselves with Holy Water, it brings all of those things together in a personal encounter for you with Jesus Christ as you recall your Baptism.
Think of how the bread from heaven, the manna in the desert - how it was both a sign and a reality of God nourishing and providing for His people... how it went from something miraculous to something ordinary that became unappreciated... that Jesus performs the miracle of loaves and fishes which significantly caught the crowds attention but only momentarily... The next day when Jesus is trying to open their minds and hearts to receive Him, they’re not as interested. John tells us some leave “no longer to walk with Him.” All of these stories become real and present as Jesus becomes real and present in the Eucharist at Mass... as we approach that altar and hear “The Body of Christ” - the miracle of Galilee, the truth is spoken in the Bread of Life discourse -is there asking us, does our “Amen” truly mean “Yes Lord, I believe.”
This is what we mean when we say “The Word of God is alive and active.” Let yourself be overwhelmed with the abundance of God’s goodness, not just in these beloved scriptures but here and now in our day, our time and space, in our lives...

Day 101 Signs And Wonders
DAY 101: John 7-9 Proverbs 5: 15-23
SINS, STONES & MERCY
In these three chapters, we encounter sections that - aside from the two dramatic stories of the woman caught in adultery and the curing of the Man born blind - probably were not as familiar as most of the Gospel of John has been so far. Even if you are a daily Mass goer, these are sections where there are more debates that go on, there are ongoing threats and accusations, there are even sections that the lectionary doesn’t cover - (more for clarity and out of a desire to make reading more understandable to the congregations).
One thought that came to mind reading through these passages is how much Jesus emphasizes the importance of not sinning. Sadly so many people have a mistaken notion of taking half teachings of Jesus for their own purposes. For example, how often when a moral debate arises, will we hear someone say: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her...” Forgetting that the final words Jesus says to the woman are “do not sin again.” And how Jesus emphasizes over and over the importance of not sinning, of not believing the “father of lies” - (aka the devil), and reiterates that a true disciple is the one who listens to God’s word, of follows His commandments.
What we are seeing is again, the fulfillment of the Old Testament. So far in the 100 days that preceded this, we often saw God’s punishments for sins being announced and experienced in real-time. And as we have discussed, especially early on, that was part of God’s “taming and training” of a people in a broken, uncivilized world who were being set apart as “Chosen People” to be a light to all nations. Which in many ways it had.
But one negative repercussion has been some usurping of God’s authority and judgment and some distorted understandings of God’s activity in the world. So when this mob of scribes and Pharisees throws an adulterous woman before Jesus asking what should happen to her - it was obvious that they were not concerned with the sacredness of the marital vow but looking for an opportunity to trap Jesus in agreeing with the Law of Moses (and going against the Roman authority) or putting Himself in opposition to the Law of Moses and being labeled a blasphemer, a heretic. For us, who know and believe Jesus is God - we see the ludicrousness of the “test” and can appreciate how God is able to still uphold the law while reading the true intentions of the mob's hearts.
Similarly in the healing of the Blind Man, and the amazing debate that unfolds around this man - the distorted notion that either the man or his family must have sinned which is what caused the blindness... and then the fact that he is healed is somehow seen as being diabolical, shows again the real blindness wasn’t the physical handicap of the one man, but the spiritual one held by so many around him.
In all of these, the overriding thing isn’t just an emphasis on avoiding sin, repenting of sin, but also in the gentleness of Jesus, in His healing, in His speaking truth to “authorities” which doesn’t excuse any evil, but also demonstrates that love is more powerful, He is unleashing God’s mercy in a generous, obvious way. Unfortunately, the lesson will be lost on many in First Century Jerusalem & Galilee. But not among His most faithful and devout of followers - then and now.

Day 102 The Death of Lazarus
DAY 102: John 10-12; Proverbs 6: 1-5
GOOD SHEPHERD INDEED
It’s interesting to recognize that while in the past, I’ve often found the Gospel of John the hardest to enter into - there are so many things that come from John that are personally incredibly meaningful to me. When a priest is preparing for his ordination, he usually prepares a holy card to distribute to the guests as a reminder - not just of the day, but hopefully for their prayers as well. For my prayer card, the scripture reference that resonated the most was from John 3: 30, when John the Baptist recognizes Jesus and utters: He must increase, while I must decrease. The image for the front is of Jesus as the Good Shepherd which has him as “the suffering servant” (which is evidenced by the crown of thorns) - both images that come from John.
Coming upon those scriptures in the last few days in rapid succession as we have has been moving on many levels. Especially so soon after we’ve delved into the Pentateuch as we have, just hearing Jesus say in the scriptures today “when I am lifted up from the earth” and remembering Moses with the serpent is moving. God has gone from using a bronze image of a creature to taking that place Himself as the source of healing and life for humanity.
That vulnerability is even more revealed in the shortest scripture verse in the entirety of the Old and New Testament John 11: 35: Jesus wept. Two short words most certainly echo throughout all time and space. To imagine God himself being moved to his core that he weeps over just one of his “creatures.”
The notion of a shepherd protecting, rescuing, fighting, and even dying for a weak animal is both courageous and heartwarming indeed - that we could appreciate that imagery and find it speaking to us. But to weep reveals the depths of love, care, and intimate concern that Jesus has - revealing even greater depths about who He is... Weeping implies a depth of emotion and feeling that says more than words could ever convey: He sees us. He loves us. This is what makes Jesus, a Good Shepherd indeed.

Day 103 Judas' Secrecy
DAY 103: John 13-15; Proverbs 6: 6-11
TRUE FRIENDSHIP
“Behold I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been wrought in all the earth or in any nation...” Those words aren’t from John - they come from Exodus (34:10). As we enter into the Upper Room, as we enter into the heart of Jesus in these passages, that’s what came to mind. After Jesus has washed his disciple's feet... After He has identified his betrayer - Jesus announces the beginning of the Paschal mystery which He is entering into as He announces “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and in Him, God is glorified.”
Think back to how many times God had announced He was doing something new, something historic, something truly life-changing that we’ve encountered in the Old Testament so far in these last 100 days. The Israelites standing before the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his armies closing in on them. Or in the book of Numbers, when they were hungry for food, thirsting in the wilderness. Or marching around the walls of Jericho for 7 days in silence wondering what is God up to?

There are those moments between belief and unbelief. That moment of decision between faith and despair where the people themselves are not sure which side they are going to fall on.
In the upper room, after such intimate of a meal, with Jesus bearing his heart in such an intimate way with those who are no longer just followers, students, disciples, but friends - As He speaks of glory, it’s that moment between belief and unbelief once again. These Jewish men, centuries removed from their ancestor's experiences and having that history of reflection - as well as having God incarnate before them are hearing this proclamation themselves. Those who ate and whose feet were lovingly grasped and cleansed by God Himself are hearing these words, but naive or blind or confused about all that He has said... all that He has done. They don’t realize what’s about to come or on what side of this moment the vast majority of them will fall.
Yet beautifully for us, they share the story as is. John doesn't re-write or edit things. There are no explanations or excuses to somehow mitigate what’s to come. The brutality of Jesus' passion and death, the collective failure, and individual failures on the Apostles' parts are all to come. In the midst of all of that, Jesus is indeed glorified. And these failures become the opportunity for the beauty of Jesus’ Mercy to be known, understood, and felt in a way that no parable could have ever done for them. And in that, Jesus demonstrates what He means when He calls them - and you and I - His friend.

Day 104 The Priestly Prayer of Jesus
DAY 104: John 16-18; Proverbs 6: 12-15
PETER: SORROW TO JOY
Reading the Passion of Jesus Christ as we enter into the Sacred Triduum is providential. It’s been amazing for me to see how the Holy Spirit moves in re-reading and hearing the scriptures. Different things, events, and individuals - who all may be familiar in one way or another stand out in a new light. For example, Fr Mike’s reflections on Judas yesterday were quite revelatory: that Judas being one of the 12, living with these men for over 2 years, it’s strange that they didn’t have even a guess as to who might be the one Jesus predicted would betray Him. That perhaps Judas had this “secret life” interiorly. Had never really thought of that in those terms before.
Similarly, in today’s readings - Peter emerges a bit differently. Back in John 13 when Peter promises he would follow Jesus wherever He would go, that he would lay down his life for Jesus only to be told that very soon, Peter will even deny knowing who He is. That’s always such an unsettling moment, isn’t it? You can almost imagine the shock, the disbelief for Peter as he hears this dire prediction. In Peter’s heart of hearts, you can imagine there’s sadness, anger, and even determination to prove Jesus wrong. Which is what we saw in the garden of Gethsemane. As Judas’ betrayal is fully revealed and the guards come to arrest Jesus, Peter’s heart and mind go back to Peter’s standard mode of operation: acting on his impulse, almost out of instinct. Peter musters courage at that moment and mounts a fight, cutting off the ear of one of the guard’s slaves. You can feel the immensity of the moment. And in a flash, Jesus stops Peter, fraternally corrects him (yet again); and submits to this unjust arrest.
The confusion of the whole thing had to have completely unnerved Peter. You can imagine the questions, the doubts, the fear, the anger of the moment. What is happening? How could Judas have done this? Why wouldn’t Jesus let me stop them? What have I done, following Him these last years? As Peter is lost in his thoughts - a nameless individual (in a night where many similar nameless folks seem quite victorious as evil is well on the march) - asks “weren’t you with Him?” “You’re one of those followers, aren’t you?” The impulsive, instinct - the feelings of this moment of confusion, disappointment, fear - he loses his senses, his nerve, his courage. Probably meaning it more as a deflection than an outright denial, maybe not even reflecting on the question being asked, he fails in a devastating fashion.
The beauty of John’s narrative is that He captures Jesus’ sayings conveying more than one meaning. As Jesus predicts His passion, He also promises peace, He promises “overcoming the world”, He promises that sorrow will turn into joy. Those are things that not only will Jesus experience but all of his followers... including Peter.
That reality will take time for Peter to recognize. But when the hot-headed fisherman, allows the Lord to re-order his mind and heart and actually comes to believe, he not only will experience that sorrow into joy - but will be able to proclaim that as the first Pope... and will ultimately suffer the same torturous death that Jesus did.
From denying to dying - the journey to admit Jesus as the Christ to the world took a lot of twists and turns in Peter’s life. Today I’m reflecting on my failures and successes in the same... what drives my fears? How do I overcome them?

Day 105 It Is Finished 

DAY 105: John 19-21; Proverbs 6: 16-22

KING OF THE JEWS

Think back to a little over a month ago.  Back then when we encountered this mysterious person Balaam, one of the most bizarre things other than his hitting a donkey who then started talking to him, was that this non-Jewish who wasn’t by any stretch of an imagination a good or holy individual, had the ability to speak with God and that God was able to use him to send a message to His people of love and care for His people.

As we enter these last chapters of John at the close of this Messianic checkpoint, that came to mind.  That God uses another non-Jewish individual who wasn’t by any stretch of an imagination a good or holy individual: Pontius Pilate.  The twists and turns of this unjust arrest, humiliation, trial are probably most familiar to Catholic Christians.  We know of Pilate’s reluctance to give into the crazed mobs unhinged demands that Jesus be crucified.   We hear again how Pilate tries every loophole and ways to get out of it.  We can surmise fear, indifference, abject cowardice as reasons for his going along with the sick desire for blood.

As Jesus leaves Pilate’s writing and placing on the cross “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” is noteworthy.  Pilate has made it clear he’s not a Jew and not vaguely interested in their laws.  Pilate’s conceding to this evil demand was more about keeping the Jews settled and under control.  Which by the way was maintaining the status quo with the “legal” King of the Jews, Herod

Is he trying to embarrass the Jews that he just placated?  Is he trying to humiliate them as an innocent man dies and a robber/murderer/insurrectionist – all around criminal named Barabbas is walking the streets?  Is he trying to incite the Jews by taunting them in this way?  “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews’ but that ‘This man said I am King of the Jews.’” They note the distinction and Pilate’s “What I have written, I have written” leaves it vague.

Like Balaam, Pilate probably felt some twinge of courage to have written what he had written.  Perhaps sensing not only the truth that he argued he was clueless of, but imagining that with the death of the King of the Jews, the Jewish people themselves would also be done, and Rome would have one less obstacle to deal with.

Yet, as we’ve seen, God can use jackasses to completely upend, confuse and confound the world before – and will do so in even more definitive way.  The King of the Jews will suffer this cruel fate, and utterly destroy death… His reign will far surpass the grandest of hopes mere mortals dared to imagine… His Kingdom will gather peoples of all times, all nations into an eternity, ruled under the embodiment of truth, peace and love…  And His chosen people who once again turned away from yet another covenant will find their healing, restoration, reconciliation in Him who they spurned…

It’s with that in mind that we can turn back to the Old Testament tomorrow hearing the foreshadowing of this coronation in the next section “Royal Kingdom.”

Day 106 Saul Is Chosen
DAY 106: 1 Samuel 9-10; Proverbs 6: 23-35
CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR
When we last were in the book of Samuel a week ago, we heard that Israel had asked God for a King. God had intended to be the only ruler they needed, yet the Israelites were somewhat jealous of the other peoples and nations that had an earthly king. They missed the fact that this was what made them even more distinct than any other people... they forgot that God had called them, fought for them, provided for them. They ignored the warnings that Samuel uttered to them about the drawbacks of having an earthly king and “the people refuse to listen... we will have a king over us.” (1 Samuel 8:19) The last thing we heard before our Messianic checkpoint was the Lord telling Samuel “make them a king.”
Which is where we pick up today... and we hear once again of donkey’s! Saul searching for his father’s lost donkey’s for three days sets the back story for him to meet and encounter Samuel. It’s then that Samuel basically tells him don’t worry about donkey’s - you’ve got bigger things to worry about as he says “and for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s house?” In other words - the thing all that Israel has been clamoring for, a King. Saul points out that he’s from the small tribe of Benjamin and that he is from a family that has the least influence of them all. But he checks off all the qualities that the people were looking for - handsome, tall... they probably missed the fact that pride doesn’t have to just be a personal sin.
An interesting side note is that Saul’s name literally means “asked.” In this case that’s telling - he’s not “called” or “appointed” by God - he was “asked of God” by the people who wanted an earthly king. Despite God’s warnings, and His disappointment in His people’s wishes, we see that the Lord isn’t setting Saul up for failure. In fact, He actively is trying to prepare Him with supernatural gifts, blessings, and favor: “God gave him another heart” we read. But just because you’re gifted doesn’t innoculate one from giving into human brokenness and sinfulness. Saul will have to confront that daily temptation whether to continue to humble himself and put himself and his gifts to God’s service for His people or turn in on himself and let pride, ego, and arrogance to reign over his heart and mind. As does each and every one of us.

Day 107 Samuel's Speech
DAY 107: 1 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 55
A GOOD START, A PARTING WARNING
So King Saul has a pretty good first day on his way to his coronation. Leading the people of Israel against an enemy that was preparing to attack them... being humble and fair in dealing with people who had leveled criticisms over his being chosen as King... and even more importantly, acknowledging that it was the Lord who had led their victory. It would seem Israel has a good king for themselves.
This is why Samuel seems to be the downer at the Coronation party. First, he asks publicly for anyone to air any grievances they may have from him from his life of service to the Lord and His people. As much as I desire and strive to be a priest of integrity, I doubt I’d ever make that sort of open call, knowing my own sinfulness. So it’s pretty striking to have Samuel putting himself out in such a vulnerable position for criticism.
As the people voice their affirmation of Samuel’s integrity, it's like a switcheroo. He points that out to them as a sign of their own sinfulness. Simply speaking: they didn’t ask for a king because Samuel was lacking, but as the Lord had revealed to Samuel earlier, because they had judged God to be somewhat lacking in their eyes. (It hurts even typing that sentence) Unlike Samuel, they have not kept God first place in their hearts, their souls, their lives.
He reminds them of their history. How they had been delivered and fallen for false gods after their deliverance, begged for relief, which the Lord supplied. Yet, here we are again. They have an earthly king judging God to have somehow been lacking.
So now the words of covenant almost carry a warning as they enter this new era: “IF you will fear the Lord and serve Him and listen to His voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and IF both you and the the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well...” (1 Samel 12: 13) If not... not so much.
God’s law, His reign has not been forgotten on God’s part. In His relenting to this demand for a King, there are obvious pitfalls that the people are blind to that the Lord is trying to prepare His people for... for them, the people and their new King, to take responsibility of honoring the covenant in all they do as a people.
The people have set up a situation for themselves where their deliverance from enemies in the past was clearly understood to have been the Lord God. Will they continue to see Him as their deliverer? As their ultimate King? This is also a good point of reflection for us - to whom do we serve and follow with greater obedience earthly leaders or the Lord God?

Day 108 Saul's Vanity
DAY 108: 1 Samuel 13-14; Psalm 58
LIP SERVICE
Very quickly as we delve into the reign of the first King of Israel (or rather the first earthly, human King) we see problems. Saul does what is right in his own mind, which in the normal course of affairs of human institutions you would want, expect. “The buck stops here” was a mantra we used to admire about those in authority taking responsibility for their actions and those who worked for them. But in this instance, as we’ve discussed, as King of Israel, Saul needs to be sure that his heart, his mind are aligned with God... that he is listening to His voice, being obedient to Him.
What we see early on is Saul making up his own doctrines and attributing them to God... A king who appears to honor the Law that God had clearly established, but ultimately trusts his own instincts and impulses. His relationship to the Lord is one that pays lip service to what He has heard and said... which brings Samuel to prophesize “the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and the Lord has appointed Him to be prince over His people...” (1 Samuel 13: 14)
Even that doesn’t bring about a sense of humility - a moment of reflection for the king. There is no apology on his part for offering a sacrifice that was not his to offer (only a priest could do that). There is no acknowledgment of any wrongdoing on Saul’s part. He’s decided that this was a personal beef between him and Samuel. Not that He hasn’t taken seriously the Lord’s directions, appointments, and commands.
As Fr. Mike has pointed out, Saul’s a complex man - not entirely a bad guy... but a very flawed human being, as are the rest of humanity for sure. But what makes the difference where a flawed, broken individual is able to rise and be “great” is when they notice their limitations and rely on the Lord in all that they need to accomplish, when they put their faith and trust in Him. Not by simply paying lip service to doing so.

Day 109 A Heart of Obedience
DAY 109: 1 Samuel 15-16; Psalm 61
A MATTER OF THE HEART
Who exactly is Saul fooling, or rather trying to fool here? Himself? Samuel? God? Reading clearly the directions he was given... hearing how quickly he made revisions, changes to those directions and then with an obliviousness or an arrogance says to Samuel “Blessed be you to the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord!”
Uh, no Saul, you didn’t.
Saul did some of what He said, but then made some decisions of his own which were in opposition to what the Lord had told him. It’s kind of jarring to see it so clearly in black and white how Saul just does not get it - I HAVE OBEYED THE LORD! He argues as he admits to the liberties he took in saving some of the “spoils” for himself and his kingdom. It’s then that Samuel says those words of judgment:
Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold to obey is better than sacrifice
and to listen than the fat of rams.
In short, there’s no partial credit in the tests of God. And His tests aren’t tricky or outside of anyone’s ability or potential. They are “aced” when one brings an open, receptive and responsive heart. Whether that’s for kings ruling His people or the people themselves.
Which perfectly sets up the beautiful “selection” of David as the next King of Israel. Samuel is driven by God to Bethlehem to Jesse to search among his sons for the next king to be anointed. And seeing the older, the wiser, the stronger of the lot, he is thinking its this one or that one - to which the Lord says to Samuel those beautiful words “...the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).
That can sound intimidating. Frightening even. Yet, it doesn’t have to be - and that is a decision each of us has to make for ourselves. How we view God, and whether we truly believe He loves us and wants what’s best for us. Understandably, even if we do believe that, it can be intimidating to imagine that. We know our sinfulness and brokenness all too well. But it’s precisely in that moment that we need to let Him enter, knowing He wants to not to condemn or judge, but heal and bring to fulfillment.
This reminds me of the great quote from C.S. Lewis - I’ve loved this and used it in homilies: Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”

Day 110 David and Golath
DAY 110: 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 12
FAMILIAR YET NEW
This is one of those Bible stories whose specifics are probably well known even by those who aren’t Jewish or Christian. The improbable triumph of this young man against this giant was a cultural meme before that was even a thing. Anytime an athlete or team has an unexpected victory against some great opponent, or a customer is victorious in some suit against a large corporation - whenever it appears the odds are lopsided against the one side and there’s an incredible victory for that “little guy” it’s often labeled a “David vs Goliath” story.
But in those caricatures, if we focus on the one solitary familiar part of the story, we miss the real message and point. Which especially for all of us journeying now for well over 100 days are much more attentive to as we hear this story anew. Which is quite simple - David’s victory shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. It’s not some improbable thing or unexpected at all. Not for believers. Not for those who have recounted plagues confounding mighty emperors; seas parting to make a way of exodus; food, water being made readily available in the direst of conditions; majestic walls of mighty fortresses being leveled by Israelites walking around them for 7 days.
David’s victory isn’t a surprise, because it’s not his victory - but God’s. “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand” - that wasn’t some utterance of arrogance on the part of someone trying to use God’s name to bolster themselves or the righteousness of their cause. What we see throughout this chapter is David being a man of obedience, of humility. The simple shepherd boy, who even after he’s already been anointed King, is still out with the sheep, obeying his father, bringing food to his hungry brothers. (Remind you of anyone else who will come from Bethlehem?)
The beauty of this familiar story is that it is new every day. When we recognize how God wants to use our “littleness” in our being humble and obedient to Him and His word to bring down “giants” that threaten His people today.

Day 111 Saul Tries to Kill David
DAY 111: 1 Samuel 18-19; Psalm 59
FROM WHERE THE EVIL SPIRIT COMES
It’s sad, if not entirely unpredictable that we see Saul’s state of heart and mind change rather quickly. He goes from celebrating and embracing David as part of his household (he would not let him return to his father’s house) to what 4 verses later, after a successful battle in which Saul defeated thousands and David defeated ten thousand having a 180-degree turn. Saul hears those accolades and instead of rejoicing in their joint victory, in the blessing that David was brought to the kingdom, bitterness, anger, jealousy, and envy rear their ugly head. Saul has a violent and remarkably outrageous desire to kill David, to have him killed, to set him up so that others might kill him so he could avoid any blame.
We’re seeing the unraveling of whatever remained of the frayed moral fiber Saul possessed. Why it’s not surprising is we could have seen this coming. All those times where we saw him “cutting corners” and acting fast and loose with God’s desires, and His commands... they have all brought him to this pivotal moment where he allows that darkness to envelop his heart and soul and turn him.
Curiously, we hear scripture attribute this to God - “and the next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul.” It makes it seem as if God was setting Saul up, that there was no choice at this point. It also sounds similar to our discussion back in Exodus about “God hardening Pharaoh's heart.” Similarly to then, this is the Ancient author’s way of expressing that God allowed Saul’s free will and choice to be made. It’s not God tempting him to do evil (since that would go against God’s nature, which is an impossibility). It’s God allowing Saul to, in short, reject Him. The “darkness” had appeared previously, and at that point, the young David playing the harp was able to provide comfort for him. You can sense that moral tug of war that was still at play back then. There are even hints of it as Jonathan, Saul’s son intercedes on David's behalf and momentarily Saul seems to relent. Only to then have murderous intent.
It’s such a sad turn of events. Saul - at the beginning had some very admirable qualities that seemed to indicate he would be a good and effective leader. Perhaps pride entered in thinking that now that he was the King, he was “good.” He didn’t have to worry about pleasing God, since in his mind he already had, which is why he was King. It’s a powerful reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare that is always at work throughout our lives - and the importance of recognizing our need for ongoing conversion. We’re never going to (on this side of heaven) get to a point where we’ve completely obliterated temptations and committing sins.
Which, man oh man, is why we need to continue to pray for one another   (h/t and prayers for Fr. Mike)

Day 112 True Friendship

DAY 112: 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 142
AUTHENTIC FREEDOM
Reading this chapter, the thing that stands out to me is quite simply the moral character and virtue of Jonathan. If we can put aside Saul's irrationality and murderous intent solely out of envy, bitterness, and a bruised and distorted ego - the other motivating factor for Saul wanting David dead is to secure his legacy in his son being the next King. God had not intended that, and that didn’t seem to bother Saul before. But the reality is not only is Saul ticked off that David is more celebrated than himself - he’s heard Samuel’s prophecy that God is displeased with him, that his familial reign will end with him. And most likely he’s already figured out who the next king is going to be.
This distorted heart of Saul is also in a sense trying to secure what he believes is his son’s right. When we think of how many characters that we’ve encountered in the bible so far who would’ve conspired with their father in this pursuit for themselves. Heck, Joseph’s 11 brothers basically went from trying to kill him to decide to sell him into slavery thinking they could make money off of the guy - and that wasn’t even to become “king” - it was more over familial jealousy.
This is what makes this chapter so impressive and inspirational on so many levels. Especially, the breathtaking faith God has for us, in trusting, hoping that His will can be accomplished through authentic human freedom. Jonathan’s selfless love for his friend not only sees that righteousness, but virtue also surpasses family loyalty. But the selflessness involved protects his own heart from being corrupted by the rants of his father and the temptation to pursue power and authority.
That’s quite a good friend to have. It’s a reminder of the importance of this community Fr. Mike keeps talking about. The fact that we’re surrounded by a growing number of people who have grown cold and indifferent if not outright hostile to the Word of God... The fact that many of our own family members don’t understand “why you’re listening to that podcast or reading these reflections...” are just two examples of how “Saul” still can be found in our day and age.
Thankfully, we have one another to be Jonathan’s that strive to listen and respond to all that the Lord is putting on our hearts... As challenging, as difficult as that may be...

Day 113 Broken Trust

DAY 113: 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 52
SELFLESS HEART
Our readings continue with King Saul on his mission to kill David and we have almost a thriller narrative with David as a man on the run, eluding capture... It’s interesting that we see David lying to the priests (Oh King Saul? Yeah, he sent me on a mission that’s all) lying to the King of Gath (panicking on being recognized as the man who was triumphant in war, he decides to act like a mad man... I guess that’s the best you can do when you're on the run and have no chance to come up with a disguise?) And then eating the bread that was prohibited to be eaten by anyone but the priests. Is this another Saul in the making?
Fortunately, I don’t have to explain. Jesus does this explicitly for us in Matthew 12: 1-8 when the Pharisees criticize Jesus’ disicples for picking heads of grain on the Sabbath (violating the Sabbath rule). Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who wre with him: how he entered the hous of God and ate the showbread which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only the priests....” Jesus uses this example to say that protecting life is more important than the laws surrounding the holy bread. As are the other two “lies.” Whereas Saul’s behavior is solely focused on his selfish desires, we read David’s care for others. He establishes a safe place for his parents to live (1 Samuel 21: 3-4) and even takes responsibility for the massacre of the priests of Nob saying to the one son of Ahimelech who escaped, Abiathar to stay with him and that he would make sure he was protected.
That struck me how in the midst of David’s own trials and difficulties, where he goes from fearing for his own life that he’s on the run to almost forgetting about that in the face of the horrors that just took place... putting care for Abiathar ahead of himself. Maybe this has stirred righteous anger within David’s own heart against the tyrannical king? Or is he remembering that God used him to topple a Giant and foreign enemies - surely God would use him to take on a King who was acting in His name with blatant disregard for His will? Or, maybe it’s just David’s generous heart where his concern for others is the foundation for his acts of bravery (since every instance we’ve read of his “warrior” is a protector - for the sheep, for the people, and now for this orphaned son)
Whichever of those reasons, one of the points we’re seeing is a shift in the understanding of the Law. As we covered previously, oftentimes it seemed like the rules being passed down by Moses were awkward or troublesome to our modern ears. And oftentimes we explained how God was taming and training a somewhat wild people to be His people. In David, we’re seeing a step further where the heart of the law is about selflessness... where Love of God and your neighbor as yourself is the “greatest” of all the commandments.

Day 114 David Saves Keilah

DAY 114: 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 54
DELUDING ONESELF
And Saul said “God has given him into my hand!” (1 Samuel 23: 7)
Just because David finds himself in a precarious position, Saul thinks that obviously is a sign of God’s favor on him. Saul has to be kidding, right? Yeah, Saul - God wants you to 1 - commit murder (which is directly against one of his Commandments) 2 - defeat David (who it’s been shown time and again is indeed blessed and favored).
It reminds me of a student who was so excited that they didn’t get charged for something that they had ordered. Surprisingly since it was all online, somehow whatever processes had the thing shipped, but never showed up on the credit card. “How cool, God must have wanted me to have this for free...” When I asked if the company had incorrectly double-charged them for this product, would they say “God thinks I need to pay double for this” or “God wants the business owners to have a great day...” I was met with silence and an eye roll.
How often we too can fall into the trap of deluding ourselves because something on the surface seems to be going my way that this is something that God intended? Saul is falling into the same temptation so many do in their perception and treating God as a “genie in a lamp” seemingly at a whim fulfilling certain “wishes” we are carrying within ourselves.
Fortunately in this chapter, we have a contrast with David who doesn’t simply reflect on circumstances as evidence but goes to God in prayer and asks for His guidance and direction - asking God the meaning and next steps when encountering a challenge.
In short, it’s a good reminder for each of us that when reflecting on things going in our lives of asking an essential question so as to be sure we’re not deluding ourselves: how much focus is on what we want, rather than what God wants for us?

Day 115 King Saul is Spared

DAY 115: 1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57
PARTIALLY BLIND
Chapter 24 of First Samuel, kind of builds on the point made a couple days ago. For us traveling through the Bible (mostly the Old Testament these first 115 days) there’s been more than a few times where things seemed strange and off-putting to us to read in the laws and regulations throughout the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Old Testament).
The future King David, the one after God’s own heart teaches the failed King Saul who squandered so many opportunities and warnings how God intends to deal with humanity - and how we’re supposed to deal with one another - with merciful love. By all rights, probably across the board among those marching with both Saul and David, had David killed Saul, it would have been accepted as justified. It would have been judged as a legitimate response to the man who was hunting down God’s anointed.
Yet, David doesn’t. And even more, interestingly, David who we just saw yesterday consulting the Lord with each step and move he was making to elude being killed himself didn’t in this case. It’s like David already knew what the Lord God wanted... the type of response he expected.
Yes, it’s beautiful to see Saul finally humbled: the arrogance finally drops as he is the beneficiary of undeserved grace and mercy. What’s sad is that Saul still doesn’t get it completely. After professing his gratitude for this gift, he follows up with two requests. First that his family would not incur punishment for Saul’s sins. That is curious in itself - that the beneficiary of such compassion would think that one who just gave that to him would turn on innocent family members (including Jonathan who Saul already knew had a “covenantal love” a friendship that was stronger than family loyalties). And the second is somewhat sadder “that you will not destroy my name.” In the end, Saul is still worried about his pride, his ego, his name, and his legacy. It’s almost as if being “erased” was worse than death to Saul.
This is where the idea of being “partially blind” came from. The reality is even after experiencing mercy, while Saul is humbled, it still hasn’t registered deep to his core - or caused true repentance and conversion.
This story of God’s mercy through his “anointed one,” is another foreshadowing of the true anointed one - Jesus Christ. Where the outpouring of His love from the cross for all humanity will be, as St. Faustina reveals from her revelations “an ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world...” May we who have been such beneficiaries of that gift not be blind as Saul was, but rather be more attentive, receptive and generous in sharing it to the world around us.

Day 116 David and Abigail

DAY 116: 1 Samuel 25 Psalm 63
SAVED AGAIN
Up until now, we’ve heard how David has been saved from the unprovoked, murderous threats of King Saul. Today we recount David being saved, but this time from himself. After being treated rudely and unjustly by Nabal (what did David expect, the guy’s name, literally means fool   ) David enlists a small army to exact some over-the-top, extreme justice. Actually, it’s not justice, it’s vengeance. It’s disappointing to see David intending to act so rashly.
Thankfully, a heroine emerges into the narrative in the nick of time: Abigail. She who’s been married to a foolish man saves David from becoming one himself... She won’t let innocent people die over a little food and some rash words. She appeals to the heart of the future King, the faith of the future King in this humble and courageous gesture.
It’s crazy isn’t it? A chapter before, David had a justifiable reason (reasons even) for killing Saul - and doesn’t. Yet here he’s ready to bring death and destruction over this guy’s being selfish and ungrateful. It doesn’t make sense.
It shouldn’t. Sin never does make sense. The temptations of the mind and heart, the irrationality of hurt feelings left to stew can cause even the noblest, holiest of people to have a significant and precarious fall. Who knows how badly this could’ve gone not just for Nabal and his family, but David and his entire future.
Which is a good reminder for us... of the importance to be always vigilant in the face of sin and temptation. Particularly as Catholics, it’s kind of easy in the season of Easter to let that focus on our need for repentance and conversion recede in this season of joy. And while we should be celebrating Easter with as much if not more energy as we entered into the penances of Lent, we can’t ever let our guards down in protecting our own hearts and souls. Especially when we suffer some injustice or hurt, or slight... as they linger and we start to think, and over think them. It’s then, hopefully, we have an Abigail to help snap us out of becoming what has just hurt us.

Day 117 Reverence and Faithfulness

DAY 117 - 1 Samuel 26 Psalm 56
SERIOUSLY?
No doubt a lot of our fellow journeyers are thinking that with this passage from 1 Samuel. Saul, the weepy, grateful king of two chapters ago after trying to kill David, having the roles reversed and being spared by David decides, “on second thought, yeah, let’s try to kill the king-in-waiting.”
One initial thought - had this just been some made-up tale or story, no author would come up with such stupidity. To repeat practically the entire story of chapter 24 in chapter 26 - without any debate or provocation preceding it would just seem illogical. This is what makes the narrative so much more accurate on a human level. Much of what we do doesn't make logical sense!
But it gives pause to a few thoughts:
1 - We do the right thing, what God calls us to do, because He calls us to do it - not because we believe we’re going to be rewarded in this life. So often, we can delude ourselves into thinking that people will return “good for good.” That the charity, the compassion, the generosity we pour out will be received and transform someone’s perspective: win them over for Christ; cause some conversion or reversion, or at a minimum cause them not to be such a jerk. But if that’s our motivation, we’re deceiving ourselves. Oftentimes, that can be a catalyst for someone to encounter the Lord, but that’s not always the case as we see here. Saul’s heart has not been changed by the gift of mercy. Did he go back to the palace and feel humiliated by the position he was previously in by David? Did his twisted thoughts return even more twisted than before? We don’t know. The reality is, David - and each one of us has to constantly keep front and center that the call to act justly, lovingly is for God and Him alone.
2 - It’s important that we’re cautious about who we’re listening to. Think about the last two days of readings. Both Abishai and Abigail (from yesterday in 1 Samuel 25) in their own way are being friends to David. How easy it would have been for David to have seen in the offer of Abishai a “loophole” in terms of killing Saul? Abishai is acting out of anger over Saul’s second attempt to kill David, as well as loyalty and friendship toward David. David could have been swayed by the words, deluding himself that “technically I didn’t kill Saul.” In his heart of hearts though, David knew that would be a lie he was telling himself. Just as yesterday Abigail appealing to David’s goodness and what he knows to be true spoke to his heart of hearts. Friends are just as human as we are, and because they hold such a privileged place in our lives, it’s important to reflect on whether they are building us up and bringing us close to God or not... Just because someone’s a friend, doesn’t mean in friendship we need to listen (or even should continue to listen) when they gossip, tear people down, or are negative influences.
3 - Building on that point, it's better to deal with sin in the smaller battles than to allow them to add up. Think about how much more important was Abigail in the previous chapter in protecting David. Having previously demonstrated such a beautiful example of God’s Mercy to Saul, which wasn’t just for his own holiness and righteousness, but had impacts on those who were journeying with him and for those who will one day be under his reign - imagine him giving into that moment of impetuousness and anger? Would he have been able to resist the temptation this time to give Saul what he deserved? Would he be filled with anger at himself for such a massive moral failure and use this as an opportunity to take it out on a convenient and somewhat deserving scapegoat?
The devil loves to trap us in a vicious cycle of sin, where we allow one bad choice to lead to another and already think I’m a mess, I’ve screwed up - other lies like God will never forgive me now are more easily believed and can lead us into deeper sin and temptation. It’s why the Church makes such a point in saying yes there’s a difference between venial and mortal sins... but they are all sin, all evil, and all of them have to be repented of... and much better when their venial than mortal.
As we kind of reflect on God's presence and activity in both David and Saul's life, hopefully, we're able to see the successes and failures more objectively in their story, so we can learn and make the adjustments we need to be "righteous" and truly desiring to be after God's own heart.

Day 118 King Saul Despairs

DAY 118: 1 Samuel 27-28; Psalm 34
TWO DESPERATE KINGS
You almost have to feel sorry for Saul. Having turned his back on God, having tried to plot and kill David twice, having lost his only spiritual conscience in Samuel, he’s a man alone.

He knows his days are numbered and the irrational, self-inflicted fears he was suffering from before have now turned into legitimate threats for the isolated king. Hearing nothing but silence as he cries out to God, he decides to break some more of God’s laws and commandments by consulting with a medium to summon the recently deceased Samuel. I kind of had to laugh reading the story as Samuel sounds kind of ticked off and impatient as he says “Bro, if God’s not answering you, what good am I going to be for you?” (That might not be an exact quote)
Desperation makes people do silly, illogical things. Saul has brought all this on himself, and what makes it somewhat amazing is he doubles down, triples down, quadruples down on his foolishness. In his few moments of realization where he’s a recipient of mercy from David, instead of taking it as an opportunity to truly repent and ask God for forgiveness, he’s constantly calculating and trying to find some other way to protect himself and his priorities. The moments of recognition of offending God sound more like statements of fact rather than prayers of contrition.
What’s interesting though, is that King-in-waiting David is also acting a bit desperate as well. Having faced down the threat from Saul directly twice to his face, we see him cutting and running to the Philistines. And as he does, he brings a crew with him to raid other regions, lying to their king. Why the sudden similarity between the two kings? In David’s case, we can have a bit more understanding recognizing the guy is burnt out. Having been hunted down, betrayed by some of his own men, he’s weary and, like his present king, does some silly, illogical things.
Would not the God who had given him strength, wisdom, and insight so far continue to guide and strengthen him in this hour of understandable human need? This is what makes David such a relatable figure. How often do we go from a place of faith and trust to suddenly believing now we have to fix something, now we have to go it alone, we better take over, take control over this particular situation?
We’ll see how things resolve themselves for both of these kings in the coming days - but we already have a good idea of the trajectory that they are on and how things will end up for Saul and for David. May we be just as clear and self-aware ourselves 

Day 119 David's Wisdom

DAY 119: 1 Samuel 29, 30, 31 Psalm 18
A TUMULTUOUS END
While we have read chapters that are far more breathtaking in just evil perpetrated by some of God’s creation on others of His creation, there’s something that makes today’s conclusion to 1 Samuel right up there in terms of difficult passages to read.
No one is innocent. There are Lies, Betrayal, Deception... Suicide. David, we will see, once again how he is saved from himself and some really awful options he was tempted to take and Saul, well we knew it was going to end badly for Saul, but I doubt most first-time readers would’ve predicted his taking his own life.
A student studying these chapters in a college course I was taking came in loaded for bear about how unjust God was. That God seemed to have a grudge against Saul from the very start, that he was more protective of David. As he went through his litany of things, he was making a compelling case to which our professor simply let him go on at length. When he finally finished all the professor said was “Chapter 8." What??? 1 Samuel 8... The Lord warned them not to desire a King...
Yes in God’s wisdom and knowledge - as mysterious as it is for us to comprehend - He saw what was coming. He pleaded with His people to listen to His counsel. When He relents, He still tries to guide and direct and warn Saul who consistently dismisses the advice. The ripple effects of Saul’s self-centered reign will ultimately ruin everything that ever mattered to him - and the collateral damage on the people of Israel is significant.
No sin is private. It’s another lie of the devil as he is seducing us with the latest temptation to delude ourselves that we can get away with something, that the corner we cut, the loophole we conveniently find for ourselves isn’t that big a deal (remember Saul arguing with Samuel “I did what the Lord asked” when he obviously had not - and foolishly thought God would have thought ‘oh my bad, I must have missed that...’)
Fr. Mark Toups, in one of his Lenten devotionals observed - the two people who know you best are the Lord God and the Devil. It would be highly recommended if you’re the third. Saul didn’t... David will fair better... What will be our story - and will we take this providential moment to avoid it becoming a tumultuous end as well?

Day 120 David Mourns Saul

DAY 120 2 Samuel 1; 1 Chronicles 1; Psalm 13
THE REST OF THE STORY
Today we begin “2nd Samuel” and the book of Chronicles. It’s probably good to point out that the authorship of this book by Samuel himself isn’t possible since he died a few chapters ago in first Samuel. It’s not uncommon that contemporaries of these figures would continue following the writings of a fallen great prophet like Samuel as part of the manuscripts and writings. So the author of 2 Samuel is anonymous (although scholars will point to some possibilities). As is the author of Chronicles, which is a unique book in the Old Testament. We’ll be covering some similar history that we have heard /will hear in the books of Samuel, but with added details and from a different perspective. But we shouldn’t see it as historians battling out ideologies and specifics.
Biblical writing is always recounting God’s centrality and activity in the ongoing story of human history. Particularly for the books of Chronicles, the writer is reflecting on the reality of Israel’s present situation (it is written in the 5th Century Before Christ) and recognizing the greatness of Israel was in the past - but that the importance of Who God is, Who they are as His people, Their origin, Their history, Remembering these things was key for their present and future. So don’t be hard on yourselves if you speed Fr. Mike reading through all those genealogies - but it’s good for us to have some appreciation of why they’re there.
As we begin Second Samuel though, there’s an interesting second account of the death of Saul. 1st Samuel ends with him committing suicide and 2nd Samuel begins with this tale of this Amalekite coming forward to tell David he killed Saul (for which he is immediately punished). So which is it? Scholars have argued about this inconsistency for centuries. There are different schools of thought - were there conflicting accounts that were in the different sources that make up these books? Did the amalekite man lie thinking by claiming credit for killing Saul (removing the obstacle for David to ascend the throne himself) he would be rewarded? That latter theory would explain the presence of the two stories. And it also underscores David’s consistency in complete reverence and awe for the Lord’s anointing saying that it is not for man to decide to take vengeance on the King of Israel. Which we see beautifully expressed in David’s Lamentation.
Despite Saul’s disastrous end and irrational jealousy and hatred for the heir-in-waiting, there’s no trace of that in his words for the dead. He doesn’t canonize Saul. But he doesn’t dismiss the good, the noble parts of his story that could have easily been forgotten in light of the more recent failures that were known. Turns out David is good enough to even honor Saul’s request that he would honor his legacy.
It’s hard to speak kind words of people who may have been hurtful in a lot of different ways - let alone tried to kill you. Yet in this example, we get another glimpse as to what makes David one who is after God’s own heart and a challenge for us if we desire that to be said of us.

Day 121 Cycle of Violence

DAY 121: 2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 2; Psalm 24
THE REIGN OF KING DAVID
With little fanfare, the mourning is barely completed and David is on the move in ascending as King. It seems strange doesn’t it that there’s no real coronation or ceremony. Particularly after having waited so long for this moment to occur.
Yet the more we think about it, it makes sense. David had already been anointed as King - by Samuel, ordained so by God. Someone had asked back at that point, why didn’t David ascend to the throne there and then? It’s a good question. It was already obvious that Saul had failed God continually which resulted in this bold move to skip “the heir apparent” Jonathan for David.
But that’s one of the characteristics that God admired in the heart of David. Receiving the anointing from the Lord, he knew it was the Lord’s to give and take away. This is what animates his constant deference to his predecessor (who really didn’t deserve it). David was secure in his knowledge of who he was, and who had made him that - and was in no rush to move God’s plans along, instead choosing to let himself be moved and directed by the Lord. This is why it’s good to note that immediately He goes in prayer to the Lord -asking for direction and then following His command.
Would that each of us could be as confident in who God calls us to be, and deferential to letting Him give us the next step and the one after that...

Day 122 Abner is Killed

DAY 122: 2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 3-4; Psalm 25
THE LETTER OF THE LAW
Some days back we had learned about the cities of refuge that were set up as Israel was entering into the promised land and God was laying out his plans for how the kingdom would operate. That included the “cities of refuge” which were meant to be a place where if someone killed someone unintentionally, to escape the “ancient” sense of immediate justice of an “eye for an eye” (or rather vengeance) the cities of refuge were set up to give a person to go. They were safe there so that they could lay their case out and explain - and that they were to be adjudicated in those settings. This was one of those ways that the Lord was “taming and training” the people to become His people.
There had been tension between the houses of the previous King Saul and the new King David. Abner, a member of Saul’s family, had come to a point though that he wanted to help move things along and was working to transfer power to David. Joab who was from David’s family was still understandably angry that Abner had killed one of his brothers (which we heard about yesterday) which was done in self-defense.
Joab didn’t care - which as a brother, you could understand. Yet as a member of David’s family, as a member of God’s people, he had a responsibility to care. And Joab knows that deep in his heart as well. We read that in the slight note made in verse 27 where they explain that he took him right outside the city gate of Hebron, which had been one of the cities of refuge.
Abner had not wanted to kill Asahel - He warned him to stop pursuing him, he gave him an out and only killed him when Asahel continued to pursue him. Joab basically sets the guy up, knowing after meeting with David, that he’s feeling a degree of safety... not expecting to be killed. Technically, Joab was within his “legal” rights by doing this. Yet we see David isn’t at peace with that “letter of the law.” He goes into mourning for Abner. He’s not just mourning the death of this man but underlining the damage that unchecked anger and bitterness can bring.
King David is once again charting out a different course that will impact his people. He shows his repulsion for the cycle of violence and anger... he demonstrates that there is no “honor killing.” And by publicly mourning Abner, underscores that the man had a God-given dignity. And in the process demonstrates, once again, how David is a man after God’s own heart as well. Who as Christians, has called us to an even higher letter of the law, in Jesus’ law of love.
May we take this as a moment of reflection- thinking about hurts, anger, unresolved issues we’ve experienced and ask ourselves who can we relate to more - Joab or David?

Day 123 The Death of Ish-bosheth

DAY 123: 2 Samuel 4; 1 Chronicles 5 &6; Psalm 26
THE VICIOUS CYCLE CONTINUES
The violence just goes on and on. Despite David’s very public and profound acts of mercy towards his enemies, attempts at reconciliation, even mourning his enemies the message hasn’t quite clicked in the hearts and minds of the people: “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy...” they begin in their presentation.
Who’s enemy was it really?
David never once gave that indication. Perhaps these individuals trying to spin the tension that existed (solely on Saul’s side) to have an excuse for this gross act of destruction.
What’s a bit surprising is hearing David leveling a capital punishment on these brothers - particularly to the extreme of cutting off hands, and feet and hanging the bodies. It seems a pretty extreme response from a man who’s been so leveled and compassionate.
One scholar connects this to a verse in Proverbs (chapter 6) which describes things that are an abomination to the Lord - “hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, [and] feet that make haste to run to evil”.(Proverbs 6: 16-18)
David isn’t just shaming these men, but more importantly their wicked acts and reiterating once again that his reign is not honored by those seeking vengeance in his name. Especially in light of yesterday’s reading, where David goes to great lengths to separate himself from these very depraved acts.
That this lesson was not learned, understood and heeded is what brings about this final judgment. In this, as uncomfortable as it can be for people to reflect on, we see another example of David foreshadowing the “son of David” Jesus at the end of time with the final judgment. There are consequences to sins, especially those that are not repented of. The bodies of Rechab and Baanah were meant to be a warning - that those to whom continue to perpetuate this vicious cycle of violence will become victims of that cycle themselves. May we heed the warning ourselves!

Day 124 King David Rules

DAY 124: 2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 5-6; Psalm 26
THE PEOPLE’S CHANGE OF HEART
For one short chapter, 2 Samuel 5 is packed with information - it’s an A.D.D. person’s nightmare to try to focus   - just to name a few:
+ David becoming the King of all Israel (up until now it was the King of Judah in the City of Hebron) + King David dealing with threats from the Philistines - both times consulting God - who interestingly gives him two different remedies that both work (once by confronting them, the second not confronting them - the point being God is in control, and obedience to God is paramount) + Jerusalem becoming the capital of the kingdom and a better appreciation of the historic importance of the “City of David” to the people of Israel.
One area that kind of stood out though is how the people themselves have grown in their knowledge and love of God. Think back to when this kingship began with Saul. Their reason for wanting a King? They were being attacked by foreign powers. The reason they were being attacked? Because they had not listened to God and grow more disobedient and obstinate. Their remedy for that? Not the repentance that Samuel was calling them to, but rather the demand - WE NEED A KING LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE - When God (through Samuel) points out their hypocrisy - that they are looking for deliverance WITHOUT repentance, they double down, insult God even more by insisting they want a King. Saul turned out to be a worthy representative for the people of Israel at that time.
We’ve heard for some time that David was a man after God’s own heart though. And finally, the people are starting to notice. David does not confront the people, demand obedience, or invoke his divine given authority in order to take the throne. The people COME TO HIM. “We are bone of your bone and flesh...” They remember what David had done “when Saul was king over us, it was You that led out and brought in Israel.” And most importantly, they were listening to the Lord: “the Lord said to you, ‘you shall be shepherd of my people Israel and you shall be rule over Israel.’”
After centuries of family infighting and jealousies have consistently threatened and undermined the people, here we see the people themselves coming to obedience and submission to God and His will. We need to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and sacredness of this moment. It sets the environment for all the things that are beginning to unfold and that we will continue to hear about tomorrow.

Day 125 Covenant with David

DAY 125: 2 Samuel 6-7; 1 Chronicles 9; Psalm 89
FATHER AND SON
Some years ago, I remember going out to dinner with my Mom and Dad. In a kind of quick move, I was able to grab the check to take them out. While my Mom was very touched by the gesture, my Father was kind of reserved about it. When we got home later and Mom was in another room, he brought it up again. Not that he wasn’t grateful for it - but I couldn’t quite tell if he thought as a priest I couldn’t afford to do something like that for my parents, or if it was an Italian pride thing (which I remembered similar “fights” over the check going on between my Grandfather and my father)
Reading Chapter 7 of 2 Samuel though, that memory came to mind. David’s heart is sincere, genuine, grateful... He joyfully and ecstatically brings the Ark, the “presence” of God into “the City of David” and recognizes in all humility all that the Lord God has done for him. Enemies vanquished, his faithfulness been rewarded, and now at peace in a palace. He wants to return the favor. He wants to do something in return. His heart is in the right place thinking if I have such a house, the Lord God deserves one.
The response from the Lord at first feels like my Dad not fully appreciating my gesture of “picking up the check.” But what is the Lord saying to David? David you can’t pay me back by building me a house... not for nothing son, you couldn’t even if you wanted to - I am the creator of all creation... I don’t think David intended it to be seen that way - but there’s something beautiful in this exchange between God and David... between a Father and Son.
For my Dad, he's taking his son out to dinner was a way of his continuing to “take care” of his son just as he had all my life. He simply wanted me to be the best son and the best “father” as a priest that I could be in return. That was the only gift he really wanted. That was what made him proud.
For David, and for all of us, what do you give to the God who has everything? We can hear it and read it in this chapter, as God lays out His promises in response to David’s offer. God wants our hearts. He wants our faithfulness and obedience. All the gifts and successes David has enjoyed are attributed to that. The Lord knows how difficult that will be for David (as we’ve seen for over 124 days now, plus how many years we’ve lived) and rejoices simply in that: Our faithfulness.

Day 126 David's Victories

DAY 126: 2 Samuel 8; 1 Chronicles 10-11; Psalm 60
ANSWERED PROMISES
We hear that line “The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went” in 2 Samuel 8 repreated twice. For those joining late to the story, it seems like a bold affirmation and quick fulfillment from yesterday’s reading from Chapter 7.
But for those journeying daily, we have to remember that this has been years in the making. David, the lowly shepherd boy, the one disparaged by his older brothers, the one dissed by the previous King whom he had fought valiantly for - all of those experiences could have been moments where doubt, denial, and fear entered and consumed David. Turning him bitter, impatient, or imprudent - like his predecessor.
Between 2 Samuel and now after 9 chapters of names, we’re entering a narrative section of Chronicles where we get another perspective on the history of the first two kings of Israel - we’re revisiting Saul’s legacy. Something he was so anxious about securing, has indeed been noteworthy for all the wrong reasons. His death is recounted, as well as what made him notorious: Saul died for his unfaithfulness... he was unfaithful to the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, consulted a medium, seeking guidance, and did not seek guidance from the Lord. You get the sense the author of Chronicles is most definitely not a fan.
Yet that’s not simply an author bias. In the chapter from Samuel, we get this whirlwind of accounts of all these battles that David had to fight. Why? Well in short, because of Saul. The promised land, the Kingdom was overrun by all these forces who were enemies of God and His people.
All of this underlines the importance of patience in spiritual life. Personally, it’s easy for frustration to creep in when that vision from the Lord is clear, but every day, the obstacles, and the ones fighting his will all seem to be undermining that vision. I want the Lord to be “victorious,” yesterday. That impatience reveals a desire for my will, not His. God’s promises will be revealed in His time.

Day 127 Kindness for the House of Saul

DAY 127: 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 12; Psalm 28
EXTRAORDINARY KINDNESS
First off, for people looking for a unique baby name, how come Mephibosheth hasn’t made it to any of those lists? The poor kid might not get out of first grade having to learn how to spell his name, but it sure is memorable   (sorry, can’t help the A.D.D. moments from time to time)
This is one of the King David stories that I’ve always loved. You have this poor man Mephibosheth (going to call him “bo” from this point forward since it turns out it’s hard for this 48-year-old to keep typing his name correctly as well ) Grandson of King Saul, and son of David’s best friend Jonathan who is physically handicapped. You get the sense by his being kind of off the grid and radar from everyone else and the reaction he has when he enters David’s presence, that Bo is feeling pretty down and isolated. He’s no doubt heard of all that has happened to the family of Saul - as well as his grandfather’s irrational hatred for David. Having this physical handicap has further left him feeling disconnected and alone.
This is what David does for Bo even more moving. At this point, David has gone above and beyond in terms of showing respect for Saul, simply because of the office, the title he held as King of Israel. In dealing with all the residual stuff that continued with relatives since Saul’s death as well as having to clean up the mess that Saul left him, you would think that David has done enough. Yet this extraordinary kindness is bestowed on Bo by David.
To me, this always stood out as one of those moments where David is Christ-like and foreshadows the future Messiah. David goes out of his way to remember, search out and to attend to this remaining relative of the family of Saul. In that, we are reminded that to the Lord- no one is forgotten. That the trials and tribulations of the past don’t determine their future. That God’s love, mercy, and favors continue to confound humanity, upend precedents, and leave us not just in wonder and awe - but hopefully motivated to imitate the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ ourselves.
Who’s the Bo in our corners of the world whose life can be transformed by our remembering, our searching them out, our attending to them? 

Day 128 Mighty Men of Valor

DAY 128: 2 Samuel 10 ; 1 Chronicles 13 ; Psalm 31
CHOOSING FAITH OVER FEAR
What is it that guides our decisions, our responses to things that we encounter in life - is it from a place of faith or fear? In 2 Samuel 10, David offers this kindness: sending representatives to console a grieving son over the death of his father, the King of the Ammonites. A group of princes immediately are suspicious and sow seeds of doubt, convincing the son that this is simply an attempt to plan an attack and overthrow their kingdom. They humiliate the servants of David and then are filled with even more fear that David will retaliate against them for this unjust attack, so they plan a pre-emptive attack on Jerusalem with the Syrians.
What’s fascinating though is in reflecting on Joab, David’s general’s response. He plans his best defense and then puts the rest in God’s hands “may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” The God who can move mountains, bring walls down, and cause seas to part has proven that there is nothing impossible for Him. So while most military experts would be understandably concerned and possibly operating out of a place of fear themselves (whether they are honest enough to admit that or not), Joab’s entrusting this to God’s hands - knowing that Israel had not done anything unjust that caused this threat; and also that the land he Ammonites were dwelling in was part of the land promised to Abraham’s descendants. God was on their side, and by coming from a place of faith, Israel was as well. Which is what brings about their “unexpected” victory.
These scriptures are good reminders that when we’re trying to respond to whatever challenge, crisis or trial - whether it’s a global experience or something far more local and personal - the best response we can offer is to follow that pattern - work as hard and best as we can with the information and resources we have, and then completely put it in God’s hands knowing nothing is impossible for Him.

Day 129 David Commits Adultery

DAY 129: 2 Samuel 11; 1 Chronicles 13-14; Psalm 32
THE DAILY BATTLE
How many of you felt shocked reading or listening to this story of David’s adultery and all the manipulations he goes through to cause this to happen. Setting Uriah up to have him killed so that he could try to cover up his sin.

After walking with King David who’s demonstrated himself in so many beautifully generous, somewhat unexpected ways his righteousness, it’s kind of an understatement to say this chapter leaves “David fans” disappointed. It seems so out of character on so many levels to hear of David’s lack of self-discipline, giving into these lustful desires and creating these schemes resulting in the shedding of innocent (and aggrieved) blood of Uriah.
In some ways, though it’s not surprising. We’ve seen for all his noble qualities and characteristics, David has struggled in this area (taking multiple wives and concubines) That has never been confronted (at least not recorded in scripture). Which never meant God was “okay” with those sins and indiscretions. And David surely knew this was wrong. Did he fall into the sin of presumption, thinking God was giving him a pass for those things? Did he fall into the awful temptation of comparison thinking that his predecessor did far worse and he was so faithful in so many other ways - that, what? He was entitled to a few “free passes?”
It’s crazy how our human nature can easily succumb to those lies and distortions that the devil likes to whisper - making a loophole, coming up with some justification for something we know is wrong, is sinful, is evil. And oftentimes it’s something that starts out on a smaller level.
For example, the faithful Catholic who went to Mass every Sunday doesn’t just decide to stop going. There’s a Sunday when maybe there were some unexpected obstacles or things that came up that made it difficult or perhaps impossible to get there. And whatever legitimate things that are there, our compromise there makes it easier the next time there’s even a fraction of those issues that caused our missing that one time. We see that we haven’t been “smote” for this mortal sin that we become almost comfortable with this sin.
David’s fault was not just this one day with Uriah and Bathsheba - it was neglecting those sinful impulses earlier when they were smaller; it was deluding himself that because he got away with them in the short-term that there wasn’t something sinful about what he was doing. David’s biggest enemy isn’t the Syrians or the Philistines - it’s the same one we all have to contend against - the evil one. And that’s an ongoing, daily battle that’s best fought without compromise in the smallest of battles.
While this will cause damage on a human and spiritual level for David and all those around him, the Good News is that God’s love and mercy won’t end for David even with this catastrophic fall he experiences. Nor do they ever end for us... as David himself will later recall: “Many are the pangs of the wicked: but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the Lord.” Psalm 32: 10

Day 130 Nathan Condemns David

DAY 130: 2 Samuel 12 ; 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 51:
GLIMMER OF HOPE
Have to admit to feeling sad revisiting these chapters of David’s story. The flashbacks to the young shepherd boy humbly, diligently at work, completely unassuming and unaware of the greatness that was within... the confident, God-fearing, and God-loving servant who through that vision was able to level a giant, escape murderous plots, lead victories over enemies - that man seems so distant to who we’re talking about now, in the matter of just the last two days.
David gave into delusions of greatness which made him believe he didn’t need to go fight for the people, for his people (lower case and uppercase on “His”). That entitlement grew as he allows his lustful desires to grow into even more vile sins where he forces himself on Bathsheba, gets her pregnant, and tries to cover that up by trying to convince her husband to abdicate his military responsibilities and go home to her. When Uriah proves more faithful and honorable to his duties, David arranges for him to be killed.
Where has that David we knew and loved gone?
Perhaps we have (or had) people in our lives that we feel the same way about - they’ve changed, they’ve failed, they’ve let us down - repeatedly - to the point that we feel like they were people we never knew.... Perhaps we’ve been people like that ourselves. We can relate to Nathan’s revelation to David about the truth of what precisely he’s done, and how devastating it can be to experience those scales falling.
While the chapter is filled with continued sadness - the death of an innocent, not to mention the terrible fallout that will afflict his entire household from this evil - there’s a glimmer of hope: David repents.
No that doesn’t magically make everything better. It doesn’t prevent the death of the infant, or bring Uriah back to life, nor undo any and all of the mess that David finds himself in. Sin has consequences. Serious consequences. And some of those consequences are irrevocable.
But what’s not irrevocable is God’s love for us... and the potential that He sees deep within. That’s the glimmer of hope in the midst of what could be a pit of utter despair for David. Unlike so many before, David owns his sin, he makes penance and contrition - and will experience God’s mercy and forgiveness. God won’t fix everything for David. And David won’t be able to either. Sin has consequences. But in pouring out His mercy and forgiveness, God will equip David to step out of that pit... to begin again... to trust again - himself and God. And with that Hope, perhaps David can lead again.
May we take comfort that as far gone as we can oftentimes feel as we wallow in our examinations of conscience, that is the last thing God wants us to do. The devil wants that... he would love for us to wallow and believe that’s it, we’re done and there’s no hope. But as David reminds us, with a humble contrite heart, the Lord will not spurn.

Day 131 Hope for the Future

DAY 131: 2 Sameuel 13; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 35
CONFRONTING EVIL
Sorry, there’s no way to prepare people for the uglier chapters that we encounter in the Old Testament. It was bad enough the last two days to read about David’s moral failures, but probably few were prepared for this chapter (I’m pretty positive this chapter never appears in our daily or weekend lectionary, so you’re not mistaken if you’ve never heard this horrific saga)

Just for clarity's sake - we don’t really have a definitive number of the wives and concubines of King David. When we read chapter 3 of Chronicles a couple of weeks ago, we could count almost 20 sons from 8 different women. Amnon was the firstborn - meaning he would have been the crown prince... and Tamar, was his half-sister (and her brother Absalom, would have been his half-brother) To read how David’s firstborn, the “crown-prince” rapes his half-sister is so jarring and disturbing.
Equally jarring is David’s lack of response to this. Oh we read he was “very angry” (verse 21) - Really? That’s it? Did he give him a firm talking to? Ground him? What did he do for Tamar? If there was any response it had to have been pathetic enough that scripture is silent for two years. Two long years Tamar had to suffer and be overwhelmed with feelings of shame, being violated, being isolated. Two long years her brother Absalom stewed in righteous anger turning into understandable rage and hatred for the crown-prince, and probably for his father, King David.
Some speculate that David felt neutered, and remained silent because how could he condemn the rape of Tamar which was basically what he had done to Bathsheba... and the killing of Absalom is the exact thing he had done to Uriah?
But the failures began much earlier than in those two previous chapters. They began whenever he found an attractive woman and possessed them, some as wives, some as concubines. God from the earliest chapters of the Old Testament told us: Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife (singular) and they become one flesh (Gen 2: 24). There’s never been an excuse or exemption made for Kings or anyone else for that matter. So this ugliness isn’t the direct result or some “karma” from the awful chapter on Bathsheba and Uriah - but far earlier. David’s failures as a husband and a father have created a relativistic environment in the most important and intimate of spaces - his own home.
We’ve heard it said, “no sin is private” (in fact, that’s one of the reasons we as Catholics go to confession where we admit our sins, despite the temptation to justify some of them by saying “no one knows” or “I only hurt myself” in fact hurts the entire body of Christ) We see in gory detail how sin causes selfishness, objectification of people, and for things to metastasize all from David’s initial giving into his carnal desires with reckless abandon.
This is all difficult to reflect on (especially those of you who are reading this first thing in the morning... hope you had a cup of coffee or two) But may the Holy Spirit speak into our hearts as we do read this chapter. Some in our own group here might have had to contend with equally painful attacks in their lives or in the lives of those they loved where this can be too painful to read. As a community who is called every day by Father Mike to pray for each other, in a particular way today, we’re being called to pay attention to these atrocious sins and not look away because it’s ugly and uncomfortable... we should be angry at David’s silence and those who continue to be silent whenever people are so cruelly mistreated by others, particularly those in positions of power. It’s only when we confront evil, that true healing, and eventually, reconciliation can begin.

Day 132 David and Absalom

DAY 132: 2 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 18 ; Psalm 14
IGNORE THE PROBLEM...
And it goes away? It would appear King David seems to think so. First, he lets 2 years pass without confronting Amnon for the rape of his sister - then after Absalom kills Amnon and flees Jerusalem. Absalom returns (thanks to the manipulations of Joab) to Jerusalem... David allows his unchanged, unrepentant, rebellious son to return without a word said - Simply forbidding him from his presence... for another 2 years.
As I’m sitting here reflecting on the seeming insanity of the whole situation - is David sulking? Blind? Thick-headed? How will the silent treatment do anything to rectify anything? Yet, how often does that happen to us - confronting someone who’s hurt us? We allow those feelings to override the most basic of steps in finding any resolution to whatever troubles us: communication. “She knows what she did...”“The phone works two ways, if he wants to apologize he knows the number” - as the couple starts down a path of mutual destruction.
In David’s case, we start to see things will start to devolve as this chapter ends. To get his father’s attention, Absalom starts a fire... at which point, David basically pardons the kid without ever addressing any of the awful chapters this family has endured. The unspoken tension will only intensify and the ripple effects will be catastrophic.
For us, perhaps this is an opportunity to search our hearts and see what unresolved difficulties with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers have gone on for too long and ask why? Is it pride or fear holding us back? Is it that we don’t want the resolution, we’ve almost gotten comfortable with the anger? As difficult as this can be, for those of us who wish to “seek God” - one of the first places for him to be found is in our humbling ourselves. May we have the courage to take a step to do so - today.

Day 133 Persevering in Trust

DAY 133: 2 Samuel 15; 1 Chronicles 19 & 20; Psalm 3
REBELLION
Reading some of the comments from the last few day’s reflections, it’s understandable how these scriptures have been difficult on a lot of levels for people to read and reflect on. One recurring comment has been the challenge it is to read the Old Testament compared to the New Testament and the continued perception that God seems “meaner” in the Old compared to the New.
One consideration to keep in mind though, in the New Testament the focus is on Jesus who is fully human and fully Divine. So we’re not going to see character flaws, sinful inclinations, and brokenness in Jesus because he doesn’t have any.

That doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t suffer, encounter temptations, and experience the full range of human emotions. But as God and Man, He knows how to perfectly navigate them. So in the New Testament, we’re not going to read of the flawed, fellow human like King David who will be one of the “main characters” in this, God’s story. Oh, we will still encounter gross betrayals (Judas) moral failures (Peter) individuals who will need to make massive conversions and repentance (Saul/Paul). We will see those who fail to respond to God’s calls in their lives (the Rich Young Man; the disciples who when Jesus tells them they need to eat His flesh and drink His blood - depart and leave Jesus’ company) But because Jesus is very much front and center in every page of the New Testament, our perception is different in terms of the scriptures themselves.
But God isn’t the one who changes - it’s us humans who do... and sometimes multiple times throughout our lives - The power-hungry, ambitious one who puts on the air of being faithful when in fact the desire is for prestige and authority... The faithful but flawed one becomes a tragic figure watching the effect of their sinfulness undermine their lives and the lives of those that mean the most to them. Yes, we can identify these descriptors as Absalom and David... but those are, sadly, not uncommon stories for those of us who are living under the New and Eternal Covenant of Jesus Christ.
It’s heartbreaking reading these chapters... Yet scripture is meant to always expand our vision. This isn’t just about these two individuals - Absalom and David. It’s also the fickle people who are easily swayed from following their King (lest we forget, the one they demanded) to the charismatic but rebellious son luring them to follow him instead. We are also to see and learn from the tug of war in David’s life where he’s made a mess of things – notice we haven’t seen or heard of him consulting God before his moves as of late? It’s an important thing to highlight! Instead, he is trying to respond to them, mostly on his own. He’s showing signs of repentance and remorse and is still trying to respect God and His law, but we can see he’s feeling isolated.
What people of the Old and New Testament will ultimately learn is that until we surrender ourselves and our rebellious hearts to Him - totally and completely, that trail of tears, that isolation will inevitably continue. Thankfully, the God of the Old and New Testaments comes Himself to save us in Jesus Christ.

Day 134 Devastating Effects of Sin

DAY 134: 2 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 15
WHO’S MISSING?
How disgraced and humiliated David has become. First, we read of this attack by Shimei who reviles and curses David as he passes by him. Then one of David’s closest advisors Ahithophel - having abandoned David in this time of trial decides to throw a dura-flame log on the fire of tension between Absalom and David with his suggestion that the renegade overthrow Dave, take the throne, and also “take” David’s concubines. Ahithophel is obviously put his finger to the wind to see what direction things are blowing and decides to be on team Absalom now.
One person that everyone seems to have forgotten? King Saul. Specifically, how David had treated him. Despite that King’s repeated sinfulness and lack of remorse, repentance and ever-growing arrogance, David never once went against the King. Even when the King irrationally tried to kill him TWICE. It was that type of honor, virtue, and nobility that makes David’s failures so catastrophic to all of us to read. Quite beautifully, David recognizes that as well. He has been on this journey of tears, accepting the humiliations as a deserved penance for his failures. He is trying to somehow express to God his own sadness for his sins as he walks this path of repentance.
While it’s never a good thing for us to compare ourselves to someone else (I’m not as much a sinner as that person...) There is something to learn about how Saul was treated as compared to David. David was anointed the next King by Samuel. Absalom presumed to take that authority himself. David honored Saul despite his many failures simply because he saw that as a way of honoring the Lord and trusting that it was God who had first put him on that throne and it would be God who took him off. The lack of respect from son, countrymen, even trusted confidants - not just for David, but for God is painfully obvious. In fact, the Lord is not consulted or even referred to by any of these individuals. It’s all about worldly power, ambition, who’s on the ascent and who’s not.
No need for a spoiler alert. You’re all bright enough to know that removing God from the narrative is a recipe for disaster for the characters in our scripture that we’re traveling with. May we be humble enough to remember that in our own lives as well.

Day 135 The Counsel of Hushai

DAY 135: 2 Samuel 17; 1 Chronicles 22; Psalm 36
THE DYE IS CAST
What's fascinating about this chapter with its double, double-crossings (Ahithophel had traded on David for Absalom, now Hushai does the opposite) is how Absalom walks into the trap. On the surface, it’s obvious that Ahithophel is giving much better, well-rounded, rational advice in order to succeed. Taking into account the legendary status of David as a warrior, he tells him what’s necessary and lays out a strategy that makes sense.
Hushai gives the complete opposite advice - and the reason it appeals to Absalom is that it completely stroked his ego. Gather a bigger army, and lead them he tells him. Absalom can’t resist the desire to be seen out in front. The fantasy of leading an army to defeat - not just the king but his father - is too exciting for him to resist.
But what’s food for thought is recognizing how there’s seemingly not a moral fiber left in Absalom. His pursuits in life have been based on pride for some time. First simply in himself and his looks, then telling himself and anyone who would listen that he would be a better king, and now that he would be able to outsmart and outmaneuver David tomorrow. We’ll see how all that works out for him tomorrow (here’s a hint: not well). As we’ll read in Proverbs: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (16: 18) This won’t be some divine justice or retribution that Absalom experiences. What happens to him is completely self-inflicted.
It’s a good reminder that so often when bad things happen that people attribute to God “Why did he do this thing...” or “Why didn’t he prevent such and such from happening” it’s dodging the obvious. What have we, collectively as humanity, done with our gift of free will? How have the choices we’ve made opened us up for God’s blessings or setbacks a result of those decisions?

Day 136 Absalom is Defeated

DAY 136: 2 Samuel 18 ; 1 Chronicles 23; Psalm 17
NO REJOICING
As we’ve navigated through the Old Testament for over one-third of this calendar year (God Bless you all for your perseverance!!!) We’ve encountered, unfortunately, many instances of bloodshed, violence, death, and destruction in these most sacred of texts. Which has given us much food for thought, and caused us to struggle with “where is God in the midst of this?” Which is a question that we still ask (or should ask) when we see those things in our day and age... whether it’s in what’s called “the Holy Land” or any of the rest of God’s creation, which by that fact alone, it is His creation, is also holy.
One thing that has been mentioned in these reflections has been that God never rejoices in the death and destruction of any of His creation. Yes there are “enemies of God” who by their choices have set themselves in opposition to His law and His will - and in these specific historic circumstances were subject to physical death (and we believe His ultimate judgment as they stood before His presence) But none of this causes God to rejoice.
We get a window into that as we read this chapter of 2 Samuel. Here is this “civil war” which is basically the forces aligned with David vs. those with the renegade son Absalom. The tension has been building to this critical crescendo for some time now. Absalom seemingly has never respected or honored his father. David’s sins notwithstanding, the outright disregard for his Father, and for God the Father has been very much a crucial part of his attitude and actions for some time. So that this battle is finally coming about is not surprising in the least. Understandably the forces fighting for David feel vindicated that Absalom should find himself vulnerable and exposed (while the Bible translation we’re reading has his “head” caught, other translations have it as the infamous long hair that we’ve heard about for some time having been caught in the tree - so you have to imagine somehow that mane of hair has him hanging helplessly there when David’s soldiers deliberate how to handle it, and ultimately kill him).
Yes, the threat is removed. Yes, this will bring an end to the civil war (for now) within Israel. Yet, in the end, there’s no rejoicing. Instead, we hear the mournful cries of a father for a son: O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom...Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom my son, my son!
It’s jarring. There’s no rejoicing in the death and destruction of a child. After Absalom was so hateful, David’s heart is exposed when he makes that startling claim, that he would have died for him.
Which is where we’re left today to reflect and remember. Jesus does just that. Jesus dies for us - for the times we’ve been an Absalom, for our sins... to save us from that same pitiful state that left this man dead in a tree. That is something to rejoice over and more importantly change how we view and live our lives.

Day David Mourns Absalom

DAY 137: 2 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 24; Psalm 38
NO TIME FOR GRIEF
One thing is for sure, we’re not going to nominate Joab as a model for grief counseling. It’s kind of jarring to hear him being so dismissive of David’s mourning for the death of his son Absalom. Yet, Fr. Mike made an interesting point that I hadn’t thought of until listening to the podcast yesterday. For some time, David never referred to Absalom as “my son” - but rather “that young man.” It was only in death that David recognizes that sacred relationship... recognizing what he has lost.
Joab is right in warning David. The armies who have suffered tremendous losses of their own to re-establish order and David’s rightful claim to the throne are standing there, post-battle, conflicted as their King seems inconsolable. Joab is trying to point out to David, the mistakes he’s making, the failures he’s about to compound an already bad situation.
David’s leadership and authority were already in tatters. There were tribes that had sided with Absalom and made him their king - which not only on a human level, now, is seen as a mistake - but spiritually, they had no right to do. Only a prophet had the right to anoint a king. They’re unrepentant in the face of defeat. Meanwhile, the leaders who have sided with David are fuming. As David is trying to bring family peace by restoring one of their own, Amasa, as a top General ignores the ones who were loyal to bringing an end to this civil, familial war.
Even the humble Mephilbosheth is unable to wake David up from making more disastrous moves. This simple soul, the remaining member of Saul’s family (Jonathan’s crippled son) was misrepresented by Ziba. Rather than adjudicating that fraud who basically stole the poor man's estate, David deems it unsolvable and just decides that they should split the estate, with Mepholbsheth content to give it all, just rejoicing that David knew he would never have abandoned him and was happy to have him return as King.
So we end this chapter on an unresolved and tense note. King David for all the heroics and noble characteristics that had served him so well before, in a lot of ways is a broken man. As he will utter in the psalms “My sin is always before me...” (Psalm 51: 3). He’s a mess... his family is a mess, and now the kingdom is a mess.
Not that God would do a “told you so” - but this would be a good time if He wanted to. This was God’s warning to His people about desiring a King. Not that the people had been perfectly obedient prior to that time, but they probably never imagined themselves as God’s chosen people now fighting and killing each other. What was it Samuel said when speaking of David - God sees the heart... which is true in goodness and sinfulness.
The Good News is in spite of this, God can, and will, always make a way of making things right. The question is, how difficult do we want to make it for Him? 

Day 138 The Effect of Sin on Others

DAY 138: 2 Samuel 20;1 Chronicles 25; Psalm 39

CLEANING UP THE MESS
Imagine your Sheba - your name actually makes it into scripture - for thousands of years God’s word has included you in the narrative. Then read the whole sentence - you’re remembered as a “worthless fellow.” That’s a rough assessment to ever get past.

Chapter 20 starts off with that character and characterization describing how Sheba is basically continuing to sow the seeds of division we’ve been seeing and hearing about in the last few chapters. David seems to have paid attention to Joab’s counsel where he reminded the King he cannot let his mistakes as a Father now happen as King. The environment is ripe for continued division, hostility, and tension and so David agrees that this needs to be addressed directly and quickly, otherwise “Sheba... will do us more harm than Absalom (v 6).”
Yet we see very quickly Joab is really not an honorable fellow. Yes, he gives good and sound advice and has some gut instincts that are spot on. But he’s disobedient too. One reason he was passed over as general (and Amasa was instead appointed) was how he didn’t listen to the King’s order that his son not be killed. How does Joab react? First chance he gets, he guts and kills Amasa. It seems all the evil, the sins, and the arrogance that has been unleashed is still ravaging through the Kingdom.
But in the midst of all that, there’s a short incident that we can’t overlook. David returned to Jerusalem and recognized “ah, I probably shouldn’t have concubines.” Glad he finally got the memo. But on a serious note, this is progress. He doesn’t disgrace or dishonor the women. He provides and protects them while starting to get a handle on his own selfish, self-centered desires that he has let rule him.
It’s an important thing for David to do. Not just for his own dignity as well as the dignity of the women... but on a spiritual level. As David is reflecting on the mess that is his family and his kingdom - all of that had to have been overwhelming on many levels. Rather than despair, or lash out at others he makes a meaningful and essential first step. Cleaning up the mess that is his own spiritual life. The old adage “you can’t give what you don’t have” is important to remember. If he has any hope to bring healing, restoration, and unity to those he loved and those he was called to serve, then it has to start with David himself. It’s a good reminder for us - when we’re troubled by so much division, and tension in the world, in our nation, in our families - it can be overwhelming and we can feel helpless. God meets us when we humble ourselves and continue that ongoing work of conversion - and uses that to change the world, one soul at a time.

Day 139 Reparation to the Gibeonites

DAY 139: 2 Samuel 21; 1 Chronicles 26; Psalm 40
NOTHING IS ANCIENT HISTORY
I know, I know... you’re reading or listening to this and going to yourself “wait what? Where did this come from?” This whole chapter about the Gibeonites sounds so outlandish. That God would send a famine, that the thing that would break the famine was the death of 7 of the previous king’s relatives for this group of people who weren’t even “the Chosen People.” So a bunch of things to unpack -
First, some scholars consider this chapter to be out of place “historically” - that this famine was most likely earlier in David’s reign and not after the recent transgressions. So even though it’s placed at the end of 2 Samuel (and towards the end of his life) it’s more likely that this was something that occurred much earlier.
This famine, which most likely was a drought that lasted for three years. For the land and region, a year without an adequate amount of rain wasn’t without precedent, even two years. But by the third year, that’s when David is recognizing something is wrong on a deeper level, which causes him to call out in prayer. And the answer is given - Saul had committed a horrendous sin. Back when we were reading Joshua there was this encounter in chapter 9 when Joshua and the elders made a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites swearing by God’s name (without consulting God by the way) And remember, when we were going through those early chapters every time there was these covenants there was the sacrifices of animals with those gross descriptions of those carcasses... that was a way that those making the covenant were saying “if we break this covenant, let this happen to us.” In short, covenants are a big deal. Even though this oath of peace was made 400 years before the time of King Saul, there’s no expiration date on a covenant, especially when God’s name has been invoked on it.
Unsurprisingly, Saul didn’t seem too troubled by that. We saw that he liked to play fast and loose with God’s commandments, and so he probably assumed “that’s ancient history” as he decides to shed the innocent blood of people that the Israelites had been at peace with. King Saul knew about this oath, but choose to blatantly and bloodily ignore it. Which also tarnished God’s good and holy name. So there is this sense of guilt that needs to be repented of.
Where it becomes problematic is that there’s a mix of pagan superstitions, and middle-eastern traditions thrown in here with God’s law. Notice that David does consult God to ask why there’s a drought, but then He goes to the Gibeonites to ask for the remedy. While they are legitimately the aggrieved victimized party here, their demand for the death of members of Saul’s household is understandably shocking to our ears. Especially when we realize that this atrocity by Saul had to have taken place some 30-plus years before, so most of the 7 didn’t take any part in this. Innocent blood to pay for innocent blood doesn’t make for divine justice. But again, they’re not consulting God. They’re correct in noting the importance of a covenant, and honoring that (which is why David protects Mephibosheth, who he had made an oath to protect) But this “remedy” is born of those other factors, not by adhering to God’s laws or asking for His remedy.
My mind is fast-forwarding to Jesus’ when He is questioned about whether to pay the Roman tax and He asks for a coin, points out Caesar's face on it, and says “Give to Caesar what is Caesar...” In short, Jesus is pointing out that by carrying the coins, the Jews who were complaining about the Romans had already bound themselves to the “Roman law” as evidenced by their carrying the coin. They had “danced with the devil” - they can’t now cry foul to God for the unfair price of that dance.

I think that is what’s at play here which is what makes it such an unsatisfactory chapter to read. God’s ways are better than man’s. How many reminders of that reality do we need?

Day 140 David's Prayer of Thanksgiving

DAY 140 2 Samuel 22; 1 Chronicles 27; Psalm 41

BEST OF TIMES - WORST OF TIMES - PRAISE GOD ALL THE TIME
As mentioned yesterday, chapter 21 of 2 Samuel is almost like an “appendix” that didn’t necessarily follow the historical timeline that had preceded it. This chapter, “David’s Song of Thanksgiving” is also found (more or less) in Psalm 18. It’s not exactly David’s last words, but there is something a reflection over his life that you can hear and sense in these words.
What is his observation? That through the roller coaster of life with its dizzying, exhilarating highs to the despairing lows - God has been “my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” This again is what differentiates David from his predecessor Saul. Despite whatever happened - unfair or unjust; the result of his own sinfulness and brokenness; the unprecedented triumphs and successes - David never lost sight of God. David might have felt ashamed in God’s presence, for a good reason. But even with that, in its own way witnesses to this conviction of God’s steadfast presence in His life: David recognized his failings and mourned them in light of God’s consistent goodness.
To imagine that at the close of his life - the shepherd boy named king; loved by throngs from every end of the kingdom while despised and undermined by his own son; a God-fearing loving man who wrote Psalms to one whose sins wreaked havoc in every relationship human and divine - for him to come to this point of reflection - of praising, thanking God... Digging deeper to continue to find those blessings missed at the moment,- is a powerful example worthy of emulating. How can we brag about God’s greatness that is there, animating each and every one of our lives?

Day 141 The Life of David

DAY 141: 2 Samuel 23; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 43


SACRIFICE
As we near the end of David’s life, there are some memories shared in this chapter. One that stood out to me was this episode in vs 13 - 17. This was during the period that David was fleeing King Saul’s murderous intent and is overheard longing for “water to drink from the well of Bethlehem.” These mighty men - his right-handed protectors who journeyed with him are the ones who overhear this prayer and set out on this dangerous mission to procure this water to please the future king.
When they do and present it to him, he dumps it out. They just traveled 50 miles round trip, through the enemy territory for this water. Trying to surprise him, and console him during this rough time in his life, seems on the surface ungrateful.
But there are a couple of things going on here. First off, it was never about the water. He wasn’t dying of thirst in the midst of a drought. David was longing to return home. He was longing for the peace and comfort of his former life as a shepherd who probably frequented that well to take care of his sheep as well as refresh himself. He’s prayerfully laying his heart out to God - not complaining about what he was called to do, to be anointed the next King. It was a vulnerable moment where David was laying his heart out to God.
Not sure how these guys overheard this - (where they eavesdropping on his prayer?) But that had to have been somewhat awkward of a reaction. But once I stop laughing in doing a “lexio” exercise trying to imagine myself in the story and the varied reactions that run through my head - there’s something very beautiful.
First the amazing loyalty and selflessness of these “mighty men.” What truer (if somewhat reckless) friends could David have? To try to bring some sense of relief to their future leader, their friend by this radical gesture.
But there’s such an important thing in what David does here... this is a moment where he shines as a true king of Israel who has his priorities in the right order. David recognizes God’s authority - that’s where he demonstrated being after God’s own heart. This will differentiate David from every other King, including his predecessor, Saul - who would have loved people making bold gestures such as this. David is telling the men - this incredible gift and sacrifice, where you risked your life - should not be offered to me as a mere human being, but to God and God alone.
Outside of the Lenten season, the practice of “Friday Abstinence” - where Catholics refrain from eating any meat is oftentimes receded from memory and limited simply as a “Lent thing.” But I offer that as a challenge for us to think of making some sacrifices. Not because God needs it. But we do: Our human desires and longings are real, but when we bypass them, when we “offer them up,” we’re tapping into that deepest desire and longing for God in our hearts and souls.

Day 142 Whole and Joyful Hearts

DAY 142: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 30


FINAL ACT OF PRIDE & MERCY
This is a bit of a confusing and mysterious chapter to navigate as we come near the end of David’s reign (and his life). One thing to remember is this incident in 2 Samuel 24 we read about a week ago in 1 Chronicles 21. That account began “Satan stood up against Israel, and incited to David to number Israel.”
Why was this so egregious? Was this a lack of trust in the ancient promise of God to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous as the stars in the sky, grains of sand on the seashore? Was it that he determined some people “countable” and some not and determined they were people of valor? Was it simply an act of pride that the King was falling into the sin of his predecessor, Saul, of pride, of legacy? Scholars argue over which of these it might have been that kindled God’s anger.
But to me, the key for us isn’t getting to the exact reason (as frustrating as it might be for us) - but rather that David knew whatever it was that made this such a sinful thing. We heard in verse 10: David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done...” He’s not ignorant, or surprised - this was something serious that he knew and ignored.
But - what else is as clear in David’s mind? “...let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great...” (v14) He knows his actions demand justice, demand punishment - yet David knows it's not “vindictive” - it’s not the “mean God” memes people mistakenly attribute to the Old Testament. In the midst of another dark night for David, he knows that God’s love and mercy will follow this punishment and that He will make a way for reconciliation and healing.
So often that’s the hardest lesson for us to remember. When we’ve fallen and committed some sin, we allow ourselves to be further tormented by the Devil to believe it’s unforgivable, that we’ve gone to the well too many times, that God is done with us. David’s calling out is essential for us to remember. He won’t allow his sins to paralyze him in fear or isolation, but even at another low in his life remember that he can always call out to the Lord.

Day 143 Solomon Asks for Wisdom

DAY 143: 1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 43


PIVOTAL CHOICES
Beginning two new books - First Kings and Second Chronicles, we’re in this transition period with the ending of David’s reign (and his life) something interesting stood out reading both of them. They both involve pivotal choices.
In 1 Kings, Adonijah makes the ultimate of power-plays in trying to usurp the kingship for himself - which is not just insulting to his father but even more importantly, to God. Did he think no one would mind, or care? That he could get by with his looks (obviously not his brain)? When the plan unravels by David anointing Solomon as king, Adonijah’s fans all scatter. He’s left alone and says he fears King Solomon. Asking if the new King (and half brother) will spare his life, Solomon isn’t like his Father. He doesn’t make a blanket promise - it’s conditional - “if he proves to be a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” Solomon has obviously been observing his father and knows the story all too well. Actions have consequences and he intends to hold his brother accountable.
Solomon himself faces an important choice in 2 Chronicles. Imagine God asking you in prayer “ask what I shall give you?” I can imagine a pretty lengthy list of “God, can I have multiple wishes?” (Sorry, no God is not a genie). But seriously, Solomon didn’t have to come up with something selfish or self-centered. There’s a list of things that could have been worthy and noble things. Yet, he asks God for “wisdom.” He humbly recognizes the awesomeness of the task before him. He knows that this is God’s Kingdom, they are His people and so Solomon asks for a gift to make him a true and faithful servant.
For me, as we enter these narratives with this new figure, the Lord seems to be underlining the reality that each day we are constantly encountering new sets of actions and consequences. Oftentimes seemingly ordinary, routine, and uneventful. Yet with God’s presence and the opportunity to allow Him to animate our daily actions and consequences, they don’t have to be so “ordinary” and can in fact be as monumental as Solomon’s prayer. Do we dare to make a pivotal choice to include our Loving Father this very day?

Day 144 David's Last Words

DAY 144: 2 Kings 2; 2 Chronicles 2-3; Psalm 62


THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY
Not to scandalize anyone, but after reading 2 Kings 2 a thought that I had was “this sounds like an episode of The Sopranos.” King David’s last words to King Solomon to “be a man” (now that sounds like The Godfather) was more of a challenge to remain strong and steadfast in his commitment to the Lord.
No sooner had David been buried, than his brother Adonijah shows he was not interested in living peacefully or as a “worthy man.” He asks his mother not only for Solomon to give his father David’s concubine to him as a wife - which is repulsive to not just our modern ears and sensibilities but to Solomon as well - but he starts that request with his delusions of grandeur still in his mind and on his lips: "you know that the kingdom was mine... that all Israel fully expected me to reign.” Solomon wastes no time in “wasting” his brother.
He also goes after Joab and Shimei, two men who caused incredible turmoil for David, and was on David’s “hit list” for Solomon for going against the family (ok, that’s the last mafia reference for the day, I promise   ) This whole chapter has a lot more to do with politics, power, scandal. There’s something refreshingly honest while we’re discomforted seeing this uglier side of things. This is not the behavior one should expect from the “anointed ones” entrusted to lead God’s kingdom on earth. We are not finding some white-washed version of events written to have a noble picture of David and Solomon.
Yet the reason we can rejoice is that God’s promise remains certain in spite of the failures of his “human instruments” to bring those promises to fulfillment. God had promised that the throne of David would be eternal. That’s a lofty promise and no doubt as much as David composed Psalms we continue to sing today - as much as Solomon prayed God would give him wisdom - they often fell back on their base human instincts in dealing with matters they found troubling, with threats they encountered. They were far from perfect.
When we’re continually assaulted by the failures of our leaders - both political ones and even worse, among our religious leaders, these scriptures are important to reflect on. It gets confusing and complicated at times as we’re scandalized, ashamed to hear, and see some acting in ways that are nowhere near what they are expected to do. These scriptures aren’t justifying or excusing those failures and it’s not a “misery loves company” thing. God has a vision for humanity, for His people. Remarkably, He wants to use and utilize us in bringing that about... When we fail, He doesn’t give up. He might have to “recalculate” the GPS route again and again at our wrong turns, but He won’t stop doing so. May we, like our ancestors before, remain encouraged not to lose faith, not to lose hope in the God who is faithful to His promises, who tells us to put our hope in Him.

Day 145 Solomon Builds the Temple

DAY 145: 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 4-5; Psalm 64


WISDOM AND HUMANITY
The episode of the two women arguing about who was the legitimate mother of this baby is one of the most well-known scriptures for both believers and non-believers. For example, I can’t get the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and Elaine are arguing over who is the rightful owner of a bicycle before a Solomon-Esque Newman orders the bike cut in two (yesterday I had mafia references running through my head, today, it’s Seinfeld   )

No doubt the unique answer by the King to the disputing women catches people’s attention, as well as the reactions and revelations of the true mother. It’s beautiful to see Solomon’s God-given gift in answer to his prayer for wisdom being put to good use. He’s able to show that one woman’s envy has consumed her to the point of trying to steal a child, and if she can’t have the child, is okay with the child being killed. It’s incredible to see how sin can blind us to such shocking depths. No doubt it’s because of this story that Solomon’s often remembered as “the wise one.”

Yet, for all his wisdom, he is very human... and can be blind to his own sinfulness. This chapter opens with a glaring example. Solomon goes against the command of Deuteronomy that Israelites were not to marry someone outside of the Jewish faith, let alone from Egypt. That’s such an essential story to the “Chosen People,” of how God led them from their slavery there. Not just their physical freedom, but spiritually. Remember how hard it was for the Israelites once they escaped Egypt for Egypt to get out of them: The pagan gods, the idols, the divided hearts they initially had during their exodus and wanderings. That injunction was to protect God’s people from being lured into false worship (again). Solomon didn't need divine inspiration to know this... This wasn’t some secret, hidden, lofty knowledge or lesson.
The lesson - it’s good to pray for wisdom, or any noble virtues for that matter, that will help us to actualize the potential God sees in each of us. And we don’t have to be royalty as Jesus tells us to ask, seek, knock, in pursuit of these things. God will readily, happily, and generously answer those prayers. In the end, though, we have to decide whether to utilize them or whether they sit like an unopened box put on the shelf.

Day 146 The Universal Church

DAY 146: 1 Kings 4; 2 Chronicles 6; Psalm 65


CHOSEN PEOPLE
Fr Mike on his podcast recently observed that we’re at the high point for Solomon and his reign. His fame is spreading (the whole how to solve who’s the real Mom scenario most definitely got around) - the temple is about to be built. The line that stood out for me is at the very end of chapter 4 where we hear peoples, kings from all the earth came to hear the wisdom of Solomon. With that, we have signs of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, over a thousand years earlier. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great so that you will be a blessing...”
We’ve discussed before that God’s “choosing” the Israelites wasn’t a matter of favoritism. But that His intention is for all of His creation to be united into one faith, one family of God. The Jews were “chosen” to usher that about. So this observation from the writer of Kings isn’t idle praise. “Wisdom” was a serious thing in the ancient world - and Israel was surrounded by cultures that put a high value on it (like the Babylonians and the Persians). That this divinely given gift of wisdom to Solomon has caught the attention of the world is a way that the eyes, minds, and hearts of the world are being opened to the Lord God Almighty... Recognizing something different about His people, about Him.
The same remains true today - when we utilize and share all the many different gifts, talents, and blessings that God has poured out into us - generously, selflessly as the way to best glorify Him, we testify how we are “chosen people” as well. And plant a seed in others to imagine - they are too.

Day 147 Temple Worship

DAY 147: 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 7-8; Psalm 66


RIGHTFUL EXTRAVAGANCE


I can still remember the first time I walked into our Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Seeing those two towers from miles away - rising from the heights of the hill it was built upon. Walking in those giant doors - my eyes darted from one end of the edifice to the other. The light streaming in those spectacular stained glass windows - each carefully, intentionally, deliberately crafted to convey some meaning, some lesson. The registers of pipes from the mighty organ blaring - all drawing your eyes upward - to the main altar, where Jesus’ body and blood are made real and present... in both symbol and reality, it’s a place where heaven meets earth.
What’s even more impressive is realizing how this was funded by poor immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Italians, Irish, and Polish peoples who were not the most welcome in our country at the time, when Catholics were routinely discriminated against as well, during two world wars and the great depression - they bought the property, they sacrificed, they built this most impressive place in the entire state of NJ (if not the Tri-state area). This wasn’t just a building campaign, an act of pride or defiance against hostile neighbors. This was and is a prayer in stone, glass, and marble. This was an act of faith, hope, and love of people for God - an act of thanksgiving for their blessings, supplication for their needs - meant to both humble and inspire generations to come.
Those memories came to mind reading the preparations for Solomon’s construction of the first temple. Archeologists who investigate what remains some 3,000 years later are still at a loss as to how the stones which each weigh hundreds of tons were cut, moved, and fit together so perfectly. This edifice saw thousands of men involved in the work; there was a “no expense to be spared” mentality, and the massive effort on the part of the entire kingdom was truly a labor of love.
Critics argue such buildings are extravagant, unnecessary... “Why would God want that? Wouldn’t He rather you care for the poor?” Yes, He does want us to care for the poor, He wants us to follow His law and His commands. But we as human beings need these visual reminders, we need these expressions of prayer in stone, and we need beauty to see the glory of God displayed through the efforts of His people utilizing the fullness of creation - throughout this world of ours. To raise our eyes, our minds, our hearts to God - who then calls us to do all those charitable acts, to align our lives to His commands - and make each of ourselves living temples for the Lord.

Day 148 Solomon's Wealth

DAY 148: 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 9; Psalm 4


PUTTING GOD FIRST
As great and impressive as the temple being built was - there is an interesting detail that can be missed as we hear details surrounding when construction began, and architectural specifications of the grandeur of the temple. It’s an exciting time and moment for the Jewish people. They are free people, living in the promised land. Despite God’s warning (and best judgment), they have a King. For a people that had been enslaved, and wandering in the wilderness, the construction of the temple was one of the high points of their history.
But as human beings, we know all too well how easy it is, when undertaking any massive thing, for one to get distracted, lost in our efforts to the point of forgetting why are we doing something. I’m thinking of couples preparing to get married who right after the engagement, get so bogged down in the details about preparing for the day, forget they’re supposed to be preparing for a lifetime.
God has that same concern. Sandwiched in this chapter, we have the word of the Lord coming to Solomon saying “Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my ordinances and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” God doesn’t spell out what will happen if this doesn’t happen - by now he shouldn’t have to. God is reminding Solomon that He will dwell in this house, but is not confined to it - and what’s most impressive is when His law, His command reigns in the hearts and lives of those building and those who will come to the temple.
Trying not to read too much that this word seems to have little reaction from the King with the next verse being “So Solomon built the house...” Sometimes people just won’t listen and have to learn the lesson for themselves. May we not be so thickheaded 

Day 149 All is Vanity

DAY 149: 1 Kings 7; Ecclesiastes 1 & 2; Psalm 5



CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR
As Fr. Mike pointed out yesterday, we’re going to take a break from Chronicles and read Ecclesiastes which is considered part of the “Wisdom of Solomon” (although it was most likely not written by him later in Jewish history - perhaps it’s a culmination of his lessons passed down through the centuries) One of the reasons I like to imagine that is the case is to imagine that these are reflections the King had on his reign, on his life. Particularly as he is mentioning in the 2nd chapter the folly of “my great works, I built houses...” and then goes on a list of vanity projects that in the end, “all is vanity and a striving after wind.”
That stands out because today’s reading from Kings is another list of building reports, this time for Solomon’s house. For those paying extra close attention, you might have noticed that the Temple took 7 years to build, and Solomon’s house took nearly double that length of time... While he fulfilled a hope, a dream, and an expectation to build the temple, God’s house rated second in Solomon’s heart. Even more attention, effort, and time focused on his earthly palace rather than on God - whether it was His palace here on earth (the temple), or wanting to remain focused on Him as the source of true happiness and fulfillment.
Solomon prayed for wisdom, which means he can’t claim ignorance of why he finds himself less than fulfilled... He can’t delude himself that he’s truly been attentive to what God has told him in how to honor God, follow God, and be an honorable King.


Day 150 The Dedication of the Temple

DAY 150: 1 Kings 8; Ecclesiastes 3 -5; Psalm 6


A HOUSE - NOT A HOME
Reading the account of the dedication of the temple by King Solomon, you can almost picture and imagine everything as it’s taking place. The throngs come out to see and hear all that transpired. It reminds me of attending the blessing and consecration of a new Church... The overwhelming joy of a family coming together not basking in what they have done, but recognizing they were returning back to God a portion of what He had given them, and just in that sacrifice they were able to see this structure to His greater glory rise.
The excitement and healthy pride among the people seeing, what Solomon so beautifully describes: a dream that was placed in the heart of his father, but was to be fulfilled by him, David’s son. But there’s an important distinction that Solomon makes that distinguishes this from any temple that might have arisen in the ancient world: This was simply a house for God - not His Home. Yes for the Jewish people, the temple was of primary and central importance to their identity, how they worshiped and prayed as is outlined in that beautiful prayer Solomon offers. But Solomon knows that “heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house which I have built.”
The temple, or our own churches - whether they are extravagant and historic or very simple - are merely houses for God that are made holy by His presence and the true worship from the sincerity of the hearts of the believers.

He cannot be “won over” or manipulated by our sacrifices - because we are His creation and as the Psalms describe us “the apple of His eye.” While these houses are dedicated to God, they are more important to us. A reminder when we’re distracted and tempted by all sorts of “gods” competing for our attention, distracting and tempting us to pursue ambition, popularity, wealth, power - of the only God who matters - He who created, redeemed, and continues to save us.

Day 151 Wisdom and Folly

DAY 151: 1 Kings 9; Ecclesiastes 6- 7; Psalm 7


FORESHADOWING

After a massive construction project which took years and tremendous resources to undertake, you would think that God mentioning that it could become a “heap of ruins” would be something that would catch Solomon’s ears and grab his attention, don’t you think?

God who is eternal and loving is also very consistent. He has filled this temple with His very presence and promised: “my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” His warning isn’t a new prescription or law being mandated, but a recurring one - don’t turn away from me - don’t dabble with other gods, be faithful to what has been given to your father and your forefathers before him. (You might even expect God to say “Solomon, just check out for all your ancestors how things go for them when they decide to go it their own way, and succumb to the very temptations I’m warning you about right now) The words of one of his ancestors are echoing in these pages “Choose this day who you will serve...” (Joshua 24: 15)
It seems awkward the very chapter after the dedication we would get this warning. Hasn’t Solomon already proven who he has chosen to serve? But in some ways, what Solomon doesn’t realize is that this very beautiful temple for God can quickly become an “idol.” He can fool himself by doing this great deed, which had never been done before he has an insurance policy protecting him from present or future sinful failures.
God had previously warned against having a King in the first place, and pretty quickly shot down David’s desire to build God a house... As a good Father worn down by His children’s pleas, He eventually gives into these desires, but always coupled with the reminder that these things carry with them added responsibilities. More importantly, they never bypass what was God’s first and foremost desire - to be their God, and for them to be His people. That’s all God wanted. That’s all He still wants. And when the temple eventually is reduced to a pile of rubble (sorry, no spoiler) when the people are in disbelief and shock at how low they have fallen, will they recall how they got into the predicament in the first place? Will they have any remaining faith to turn back to Him, again?

Day 152 Being Forgotten

DAY 152: 1 Kings 10; Ecclesiastes 8-9; Psalm 8

RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU
Because we’ve been traveling together for over 5 months (Congratulations everyone! That’s so awesome!!! Keep up the great work!!!) We have a bit of a recollection of something from Deuteronomy about silver and gold, and excesses of wealth... Deuteronomy 17: 14-17:
When you have come into the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you, and have taken possession of it and settled in it, should you then decide, “I will set a king over me, like all the surrounding nations, you may indeed set over you a king whom the LORD, your God, will choose someone from among your own kindred you may set over you as king; you may not set over you a foreigner, who is no kin of yours. But he shall not have a great number of horses; nor shall he make his people go back again to Egypt to acquire many horses, for the LORD said to you, Do not go back that way again. Neither shall he have a great number of wives, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he accumulate a vast amount of silver and gold.
Keep that in mind as we look at Chapter 10 of Kings. We have this visitor, Queen Sheeba, who comes to visit because she has heard stories of Solomon’s wisdom and wants to see for herself. She ventures to pepper him with questions and is kind of left in awe at his ability to answer all of them. It moves her to confess her belief in the Lord God- recognizing how all that Solomon, all that Israel enjoys is “because the Lord your God has delighted in you and set you on the throne...” (V 9)
Meanwhile, Solomon receives this praise, these gifts from the Queen, and is enjoying the finer things of life more and more. Notice we haven’t heard much about the Temple since the dedication was done. Now it’s about extracting more gold, more silver, more opulence for the throne, golden shields, and ornaments for the palace.
For all the wisdom that is at work and at play here - it’s important to notice two very sad points. The Queen acknowledges all that the Lord God has and is doing. She professes a belief in Him - but makes no moves to worship the Lord God herself. Meanwhile, Solomon is hearing this testimony from an unbeliever and is becoming more blind and arrogant to his personal lack of following God’s commands. The most basic of commands that the Lord had repeated multiple times didn’t require any gift of divine wisdom different than what the rest of the kingdom already possessed.
There’s so much truth right there in front of both of these respected leaders and yet neither is making moves to embrace or be changed by the truth - that the greatest treasure is the glory of God.

Day 153 The Decline of Solomon

DAY 153: 1 Kings 11; Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 9

ENOUGH?
No doubt as you’re listening or reading through this chapter, all kinds of things can stand out that are troubling. Not only has Solomon found himself attracted to foreign women, but a lot of foreign women. 700 wives; 300 concubines? Guess we know why his house was bigger than the temple.
Aside from the using of these women for his own selfish, self-centered desires and treating them as property... aside from violating God’s directions with regards to what was expected behavior for the king - all of which are troubling enough and we can rightly be disgusted and disturbed about. One of the things that encapsulate all of this is recognizing Solomon allowed his heart to be divided. This violates the central prayer to the Jews - the Shema - which came from Deuteronomy: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Solomon loved God and can point to many times and ways that he did. But it wasn’t with his whole heart... and with God not getting Solomon’s full heart, we see how passions and desires; ambition, and power entered in and divided it. So much so that love turned to lust; love turned to greed; love turned to materialism.
Look at this from God’s perspective. He’s already expressed that breaking the covenant is akin to adultery (which Solomon seems to have no problem with - either on a human or divine level). Imagine the hurt this caused God, wondering “what more can I do? aren’t I enough?” The pain that has to hit His heart as He not only witnesses these gross violations but the ramifications that this will result in for Solomon and all the people. The tension and division that will result will be catastrophic.
In spite of this, we can hear the wisdom Solomon prayed for and received in some of those closing words in Ecclesiastes today: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil. (Ecc. 12:12–14)
As we take leave of Solomon and prepare to encounter Jesus in our second Messianic checkpoint tomorrow, we do so with this final point of reflection: God is so good - we simply need to bring our oftentimes divided, conflicted hearts and just ask for His grace, His healing - and He will happily run to help us make them whole again. But it’s breathtaking to imagine, the creator of the Universe waiting on us mere mortals to humbly ask.

Day 154 The Baptism of Jesus

DAY 154: MESSIANIC CHECKPOINT: THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Mark 1 & 2; Psalm 11

IMMEDIATELY
One of the characteristics of the Gospel of Mark that has always appealed to me is that there’s an intensity and a drive about the narrative that seems to jump off the pages. That can be summed up in the word: immediately.

In today’s two chapters, think about how often that word comes up. You can almost imagine Mark is transcribing St. Peter’s proclamation of the Gospel to the first people he was sent to share this good news with - which is one theory of how this Gospel was formed - that Mark would’ve been accompanying St. Peter as he preached.
There’s this breathlessness and excitement... there’s little reflection or editorializing contained in these pages. For St. Mark, Jesus’ words and actions speak for themselves. And there’s little time to waste - there’s an urgency to fulfilling Jesus’ command to share this good news to the ends of the earth.

It reminds me of a few years ago an alumnus from Montclair State University (where I’ve been blessed to serve for now 15 years) performed a one-man “performance” where he literally dramatically proclaimed the entirety of Mark. A few small props and his heartfelt delivery were all that he needed for this mesmerizing presentation.
As we take another break from the Old Testament to jump into the Gospel of Mark, it will be interesting to read you’re perspectives, especially if this is your first time hearing or reading this Gospel straight through (as we did with John). For some, this will be revelatory to see how there are such differences between the different writers, yet the beauty and centrality of both - Jesus Christ - shines through them both (or all four of them for that matter).

Day 155 Jesus is Lord

DAY 155: Mark 3 & 4; Psalm 20

WHO THEN IS THIS
As Fr. Mike mentioned in his pre-Messianic checkpoint conversation with Jeff Cavins (the bonus podcast yesterday) a question that comes up for a lot of people in delving into the Gospels is the so-called “messianic secret.” Where Jesus performs a miracle, healing, an exorcism, and strictly orders the recipients or even the demons he’s casting out to not go and tell people that He is the Son of God.
There are a lot of theological reasons behind that, but one of the essential ones is something that we’ll hear in a few days when Jesus asks the apostles the question “Who do you say that I am?” After they’ve encountered Him, followed Him, and witnessed all that He says and does - the decision for every soul is not to recite what others have said, but rather what they believe.
That came to mind at the end of Chapter 4 - one of my favorite passages in the entire Gospel of Mark: “Jesus calms a storm on the sea.” As they’re crossing at night, the storm picks up and Jesus is sound asleep as they cry out to him “do you not care if we perish?” It’s a raw moment of raw feeling and emotion. They’ve witnessed feats and inexplicable things done at His hand and His word - yet, now as they are scared, fearful, angry - they kind of lash out. Jesus calmly answers them and immediately (see what I did there?) He says “Peace! Be still” and it happens. It’s then that they say “Who then is this that even wind and sea obey Him?”
Jesus is right before them - as He has been all along. He’s revealed Himself in numerous noteworthy ways already, yet, in some ways, they’re still confused. For them, it’s not a secret, yet it’s interesting to note that they’re not quite ready to profess who Jesus truly is... That journey from knowing about to knowing - that journey from knowing something in the head to the heart can be the longest for anyone to make.

Day 156 Jesus Casts Out Demons

DAY 156: Mark 5 & 6 Psalm 21

NO ONE ESCAPES HIS NOTICE
It's hard to digest these chapters of Mark, isn’t it? In two chapters we have noteworthy things like Jesus being rejected by his hometown crowd; the horrific death of John the Baptist; His walking on the sea... You kind of miss John’s extensive, poetic writings that gave you a chance to catch your breath and really reflect.

But that's the beauty of the Gospel Mark. The somewhat breathless energy of his testimony. Imagining him (or more likely, St. Peter) laying out the case for why you need to know and believe and follow Jesus Christ yourself.
One of the reasons for that is all that happens around those noteworthy events. Think about what we just heard (or read): Jesus constantly attends, notices, and responds to people in need. Whether it’s a crowd of 5,000 who are hungry - a man who had been possessed, tormented for decades, and isolated from the world - the young daughter of Jairus - or a woman whose bold faith knows, she just knows if she just touches Jesus’ cloak, she can be healed. We get the overwhelming testimony of people who knew and trusted that Jesus is Lord - that our God can move mountains.
But even more important is that He desires to do that for everyone.
No prayer is not heard and answered... No person, no need escapes His notice.

Day 157 Following Jesus

DAY 157: Mark 7 & 8; Psalm 23

TAMING & TRAINING
Someone joked with me that if Fr. Mike’s go to phrase from the first five months that we’ve journeying through the bible was “man oh man” - one of mine was/is “tame and train.” That came up a lot in trying to explain the progression that we might have recognized for the Jewish people as they were moving out of the ancient world with some really hard-to-understand behaviors and attitudes.

We would see some movement, some correction on the part of the people but most definitely not at the point of understanding we would have in 2022 with a whole list of important issues equality and justice just to name two. On those occasions, we reflected on the reality that the people themselves were being “tamed and trained” to come to have a different world view from the other cultures, kingdoms, and civilizations o.f that time and place into becoming God’s chosen people.
Reading these chapters of Mark though, we see that “taming and training” continuing with God become man, Jesus’ teaching. The “tradition of the elders” coming from the Mosaic law and tradition were being followed with military-like precision. Yet when it came to the commandments, like honoring your Mother and Father, some of these same people took an incredibly loose view of what that meant. You can hear the justifications and qualifications “what exactly does honoring mean? Technically we’re not dishonoring them if we don’t do this or that...”
Jesus isn't dismissing any of these teachings or rituals that we come upon in these debates he is having with the elders. There are reasons for them, there's meaning behind them, and there’s a tradition that is being maintained with their ancestors - all of which are important. But when that’s been the focus while these other commandments are being treated so casually - when we’re in a sense worrying about pots and pans and not our parents - who is truly being honored? Jesus is expanding his listener's visions to recognize that these other matters are more complex and challenging. Because the heart of the 10 commandments isn’t about controlling behaviors but rather gets to the roots of temptations and sins (the list Jesus itemizes in chapter 7, verses 21 -23). In Jesus, God’s work of taming and training shifts - and continues in our day, our age, and more importantly, our hearts.

Day 158 The Reality of Sin

DAY 158: Mark 9 & 10; Psalm 29

CASTING OUT UNBELIEF - PRAYER & FASTING
Fr Mike is doing a pretty thorough and extensive commentary on the chapters of Mark (for those of you paying attention, yesterday’s 28 min podcast was 10 min of the readings and 18 of Fr Mike pointing things out!) - which he does a masterful job of highlighting so much that I don’t want to be redundant or repetitive. So in looking at today’s Gospel readings something popped up that is near and dear to my heart that I thought I would share.
In Mark 9: 29 at the end of another exorcism (there’s quite a lot in Mark if you’ve noticed... a topic for another day) which the disciples were unable to accomplish themselves Jesus tells them “this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” Not to get lost in a theological debate among biblical scholars - those of you reading other translations of the Bible might omit “and fasting.” Suffice it to say that there are ancient manuscripts that contain “and fasting” and those that don’t. Personally, I believe it belongs there. And it’s something we need to focus on.
Not because you’re being sent out to exorcise demons in other people. But as a spiritual practice to exorcise demons in our own lives. The reason that Jesus is emphasizing the importance of the two practices of prayer and fasting is that in order to defeat the devil we need to connect ourselves more tightly to God (prayer) - and one way of intensifying that prayer is when we’re offering a sacrifice (fasting).
If you talk to professors who have to lecture classrooms, lawyers trying to win a case in court, and marketing professionals trying to create an ad campaign- they have all been frustrated by our modern era - that with so much premium being on being entertained, the immediacy and availability for us to distract ourselves and shorter attention spans. That unfortunately has spilled into our spiritual lives as well.
We can point to a whole list of examples, especially in the “First World” nations: would a Church even imagine not having air-conditioning? How many parishes have followed other denominations where liturgies are becoming productions with uplifting messages and moving music with an emphasis on catering to people’s preferences? Even in terms of preaching, there’s been this move towards inspiring and motivating people rather than challenging them.
Yet that’s not worship. And it’s hard to imagine that’s in keeping with Jesus’ call for His followers to “deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Jesus in these chapters is clearly linking prayer and sacrifice together. By fasting, we create a physical emptiness as a way of reminding us of the more important spiritual needs that only God can feed.
The man whose son is tormented by a demon goes to Jesus but undermines his faith with the line “if you can do anything...” then uttering one of the most relatable prayers “I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9: 22-24) We can read in this that there’s more than one demon affecting that family. You get the sense that as the father asked him to “do anything” he has relegated prayer and going to Jesus alongside any other “miracle worker” of that day and age.
Jesus wants to bring healing and wants to answer our prayers. Fasting is one way to purify our hearts, our intentions, and our sincerity.

Day 159 Bearing Fruit 

DAY 159: Mark 11-12; Psalm 67

FIG TREE
A year ago, on the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood, I received a mysterious gift in the mail: a fig tree. Mysterious because there was no indication of who it was from and there was no card or explanation of the meaning behind it. The curiosity factor had my mind going in a lot of different directions. But one brought me to Chapter 11 of Mark’s Gospel, which coincidently had been the reading the day before I received it. Being Italian I wondered if it was meant as a curse directed at me   (well half-joking...)
In all seriousness though, as we enter into the chapters of Mark’s gospel focusing on the Passion-Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, right after Jesus’ triumphal entry on Palm Sunday we read this very curious section of Jesus doing something seemingly very un-Jesus-y. Mark tells us Jesus was hungry, sees a fig tree that doesn’t have any fruit on it and He “curses it.” Five verses (and a day) later, the fig tree is completely withered away to its roots. Somewhere the people-for-the-ethical-treatment-of-trees are upset.

Mark shares this story as bookends to what happens in between - which is one of the pivotal moments that will unsettle the Jewish authorities, and arguably be the final straw for them to conspire to crucify Jesus: The cleansing of the temple when Jesus knocked over tables and drove the money changers out who were defiling this sacred place.
Unlike John’s Gospel which contains so much rich, poetic imagery without explanation, Mark is presenting this to highlight what has just happened. The beauty, and majesty of the Temple, filled with important people who are basking in power and authority are like the fig tree that might look great and have a lot of leaves but produces no fruit. The bustling and busy temple is empty of what matters most: true faith based on what matters most to God - forgiveness, being in right relationship with God and one another.
In that, my little fig tree is a good reminder of the need to examine my conscience to be sure that I am striving to allow the Divine Gardner to work in my life to be sure that all that I do is bearing good, authentic, and genuine fruit

Day 160 Jesus Warns the People

DAY 160: Mark 13- 14; Psalm 68

A ROLE TO PLAY
Entering into these chapters of the Passion and Death, particularly as told by St. Mark we feel the intensity very differently than in St. John. Think back to that part of the study. We had 5 full chapters that dealt just with the Last Supper with Jesus’ intimate prayers and dialogues with the apostles in that Upper Room - in Mark it’s about 20 verses long.

It’s interesting to compare the differences between them not just in length but in some of the details. For example, the inference of the destruction of the temple in John comes in chapter 2 and is meant as a metaphor for the death of Jesus (“destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it” “it took 46 years to build this temple and He’s going to raise it in 3 days?”) whereas, in Mark, Jesus is explicitly predicting that the Temple would fall. The thought of this is even more devastating than if we had a prediction “St Peter’s Basilica in Rome - the Vatican will fall” - as horrifying a thought as that is to even imagine.
An interesting detail that we find only in Mark is verses 51-52 - which Fr. Mike mentioned earlier when we first started reading this Gospel. The mysterious young man comes upon the scene with nothing but a linen cloth and then when they attempt to capture him, runs away naked. It’s such an awkward detail that, you could imagine has provoked all kinds of theological speculation and theories among biblical scholars.
One theory that I remember hearing in Seminary that captured my imagination was that the Upper Room was located in Mark’s Mother’s house (there’s a reference to this tidbit in the Acts of the Apostles) So the scenario goes that Judas returned there first to betray Jesus. Not finding Him they go out to look for Him (Gethsemane was only about a mile away). Mark is in bed hearing the dastardly deeds unfolding rushing to warn Jesus which is why he’s not fully dressed. And that he adds this detail as almost a signature to this Gospel. Almost an addendum to St Peter’s proclamation that he has been recounting and adding another part of the story, while humbly not wanting to call attention to himself.

Why that anecdote stood out is it helped crystalize the humanness of this story. That these were real people sharing what really happened and Mark is excited in his own way to have been there, witness, and be a part of the story.
As seemingly insignificant as it seems to the narrative as a whole, it’s a reminder that even though we’re not part of the story in history, with each proclamation of the Gospel, the living word of God is alive and active and ever new in every age. That’s highlighted in a particular way every Holy Week. Quite pointedly Palm Sunday and Good Friday are the only liturgies where the entire congregation takes part in the actual proclamation of the Gospel with the Passion narratives. The message being we all have a role in this story. There are moments of tenderness and love when a woman anoints Jesus. There are the betrayals. There are the misunderstandings. There’s the desire to do the right thing and the failure to see it through. It’s painful and difficult and challenging to recognize we’re not so different than our ancestors in the faith.

Yet therein lies the hope - our faith and love in Jesus enables us not to remain in those failures. His victory in His Resurrection transforms everyone and everything - and even more importantly, we very much continue to have a role in that part of the story.

Day 161 The Crucifixion of Christ

DAY 161: Mark 15 & 16; Psalm 22

MY GOD, MY GOD
“Four score and seven years ago”
“Ask not what your country can do”
“I have a dream...”
Those sentence fragments are iconic enough that just the mere mention of them you can identify who the speakers were, the occasion, the meaning and message of the entirety of the speeches: The Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln; The Inaugural Address by President John F. Kennedy; The “I have a dream” speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the civil rights march on Washington.
Having sat on the opposite side of the communion rail for many years before being ordained, and listening to homilies from other priests and sermons from ministers since, it’s not uncommon for preachers to zero in on Jesus’ words from the cross “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me” and describe it as in this moment of extreme desolation and torture that he even experienced the abandonment of God. This is why I’m glad that these last chapters of Mark were coupled with the entire Psalm 22, which is where those words first came.
Because what Jesus was doing at that moment on the Cross was similar to those citations from other speeches. By uttering them He was invoking the entirety of the Psalm. And it’s an important Psalm to pray all the way through. What you find is that it’s not words of desolation but faithfulness in the face of some horrendous things:
19 But thou, O Lord, be not far off!
O thou my help, hasten to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my life from the power of the dog!
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion,
my afflicted soul from the horns of the wild oxen!
22 I will tell of thy name to my brethren;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee:
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
all you sons of Jacob, glorify him,
and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted;
and he has not hid his face from him,
but has heard, when he cried to him.
25 From thee comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The afflicted[d] shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
May your hearts live for ever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.
28 For dominion belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
29 Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and he who cannot keep himself alive.
30 Posterity shall serve him;
men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation,
31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
that he has wrought it.
It has a different tone when you hear and read it in its entirety doesn't it? In short - Jesus hasn’t lost faith that God the Father will indeed deliver Him. The feelings of desolation are real... The betrayal by one of his own; the abandonment of the rest; the intensity of the worst of humanity thrown at Him in the reality of His torturous, brutal death - those are very real too. Yet in the midst of His Passion and Death, Jesus isn’t crying out in defeat in citing this Psalm. But actually, the opposite: confident, mindful, anticipating that He has not been abandoned.
This is why as Catholics, the crucifix, not the empty cross is what is front and center when we enter a Church. Most people can relate to Good Friday far more readily than Easter Sunday. Even when we do experience our own Resurrections and miracles, the reality of this broken, sinful world still unleashing its worst on us is something we seem to experience over and over. When we can get to a place of being honest and upfront with our legitimate feelings and unite our Good Fridays, our Crosses with His and remain steadfast, defiant even in our faith, we can summon those first words, so relatable at the outset but with a newfound conviction. That causes us to paraphrase them into My God, My God has not and will never abandon me.


Day 162 Rehoboam Seeks Counsel

DAY 162: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Song of Solomon 1

WHERE DIVISION COMES FROM
A week with Jesus was probably what we needed in our biblical pilgrimage! When we last left the Old Testament and the Book of Kings, we heard the last chapters of Solomon’s life.
We come back and hear his son, Rehoboam is made King of Israel. Relatively quickly the new King is roiled in controversy. The people go to him asking for relief from the labors that his father had imposed on them (remember his elaborate building campaigns). Rehoboam tells them to give him three days to reflect on it - asks two different groups for their advice who give completely contradictory counsel: the older men say to ease up while the younger men, his contemporaries tell them to expect even harder labor. The new king sides with that latter group and only surprising to an arrogant ruler, this doesn’t go over well. Soon after, we hear of the split of the kingdom.
But the reality is that while we can look at this incident as the cause - it’s really only a symptom of a bigger issue. Where does division come from? This is a black and white issue without any greys: Whenever people turn away from God, there is a turn towards the evil one. Remember at the end of Solomon’s life? He had amassed chariots and horses he had 1400 chariots and 12,000 horses, an abundance of gold and silver ... oh and 700 wives and 300 concubines... including foreigners who brought their “gods” with them. We had heard the sadness and anger that the Lord had because Solomon’s heart had turned away from the Lord.
This breakdown of the Kingdom isn’t divine retribution - but the effects of a family who had lost sight of the Lord God. And sadly the ripple effects are continuing as we get deeper into this section of “the Divided Kingdom.” There are now two Kings, who the Lord commands that there not be strife between the Kingdoms. In the midst of their brokenness, God is still trying to protect and prevent worse destruction and division. But no sooner after that, Jeroboam the King of Israel decides to make some golden calves. Seriously. It’s worth noting that the Great Adventure Bible mentions that this wasn’t meant to introduce pagan gods but was being made as “images” of God. But the principle was a pagan one - and not in any way in keeping with God’s commands. So in reality, Jeroboam was furthering that turning away from God.
As we just finished our encounter with the Gospel of Mark, Fr Mike made an impassioned reflection on looking at the crucifix and recognizing the fullness of sin which caused such horrendous acts on God - and yet His love taking it all on Himself. It makes it harder to read these dastardly acts by people who should have known better... It’s even harder recognizing I can be just as neglectful.

Day 163 Faith Over Success

DAY 163: 1 Kings 13; 2 Chronicles 12-13; Song of Solomon 2

SEEMS A BIT UNFAIR
Don’t worry if you’re a bit confused with these readings over the last two days. The transition we had back into the Old Testament is a bit jarring now that we’re dealing with a “divided kingdom” that wasn’t necessarily the result of a single major event. I would recommend listening (or re-listening) to Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins podcast episode “Introduction to the Divided Kingdom.” They did a great job of laying out how this came about and how it will really affect the bulk of the Old Testament moving forward. Particularly as we start to encounter different prophets and hear their words within the historical context we’re traveling together through.
Speaking of prophets, and confusion - today’s reading from 1 Kings 13 has both. We have this mysterious figure who is named a holy man who (coming from the Southern Kingdom of Judah) speaks a prophetic word to the Kingdom of Israel, and their King, Jeroboam. He sees the altar(s) that Jeroboam has built with their golden calves, which violates what God had established as true worship in Jerusalem at the temple with these false idols... and it’s to those idols, God has told him to utter a condemnation “Altar, altar, thus says the Lord...” - the “threat” isn’t well received by the King who orders him to be arrested, and as he picks up his arm in threat to the holy man, it is paralyzed and the altars split and crumble.
After the entire episode, the holy man makes leave as directed by the Lord, when one of the “prophets” of the North chases after him and begs him to come with him for a meal, and that it’s okay to discount what God had initially told the holy man, because being a prophet, God had told him to invite the holy man. No sooner than he finishes eating, the would-be prophet reveals he was lying. And as the holy man of Judah begins to leave, he gets eaten by a lion. Yeah, so that went south really quickly.
I’m imagining that an initial reaction was “that’s really not fair, the one who lied should’ve been the lions dinner...” (And I’ll be curious to hear Fr. Mike’s take on this one) but one reflection is that it is easy for us to get distracted, off-track from God’s will - sometimes by voices that sound reasonable and logical and that we don’t have a reason to distrust. But the thing that was missing - the holy man never goes to the Lord to “test” this “prophetic word of invitation.” A wise man will later say To those whom much is given, much will be required (that’s Jesus by the way   ) And that seems to be the principle at work here. After the holy man has just completed calling the Kingdom of the north out for their false worship, he should be even more aware of the need to be obedient to God’s word, particularly as he’s walking among people who seem to have a great difficulty with that themselves.

Day 164 Tearing Down Idols

DAY 164: 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 14-15; Song of Solomon 3:

DARKNESS TO THE NORTH, AND THE SOUTH
I’m going to be a bit repetitive here just because it can get crazy confusing to read and listen to these chapters to try to keep things straight - Israel is the Northern 10 tribes; Judah is the two southern tribes. The reason it’s crazy confusing? That’s what division, that’s what sin, that’s what evil does: whether it’s in our personal lives, our families, our nations...
Chapter 14 begins in the North, with King Jeroboam- whose son is sick. He sends his wife to Ahijah - the same prophet who had prophesied that Jeroboam (back in chapter 11 that we read over a week ago), who had been pretty much a commoner raised to royalty - now he’s scared to go and sends his wife in a disguise.

Why? Shame. He knows he has sinned. He has not become an atheist, and disbelieving in God - it’s worse, he’s simply abandoned Him. So not only has his heart grown dark - he’s become really kind of stupid here. Simply put - If you’re sending someone to a prophet, who you legitimately know is from God, do you really think you can fool them with a disguise?
Things aren’t better in the South with the King of Judah named Rehoboam. A curious detail is added - “His mother’s wife was Naamah” (vs 21) - why’s that a big deal? Because she is one of the pagan wives of Solomon. So you guessed it, they too gave turned against the Lord. The translation we have talked about “male cult prostitutes” which doesn’t quite capture the levels of sexual depravity and immorality that were taking place. Some scholars argue that they were defiling sacred spaces with pagan fertility “rituals”; or that prostitution was being utilized to pay for temple taxes. It was sexual immorality as well as it defiled the sacredness of the temple and of worship of God by introducing these pagan acts into them which is what enraged God.
What’s missing is the response of the people. Yes, their leaders are depraved and leading them astray. But they weren’t ignorant to what God had laid out for them, what was expected of them as His people. It’s been a matter of a few years since the temple was built - which was a watershed moment in their lives as His people - which was something that all of them helped to build whether in sweat equity or finance. But in the face of these blatant transgressions, they are silent. A chapter earlier when King Rehoboam told them he was going to make their yokes heavier - they rebelled. But, we don’t see any “rebellion” or protest against any of the depravity in the north or the south. Just a spiral into darkness.
A thought for reflection is that yes, leaders hold a great responsibility in their roles whether they be secular or religious. But as “followers” we’re not exempt from and culpability... When we see a religious leader not being faithful when we see a politician enacting laws or policies that are depraved or violate God’s teaching - what is our response? Part of the judgment at the end of our lives that we will face is who were we truly following?

Day 165 The Lover and the Beloved

DAY 165: 1 Kings 15-16; 2 Chronicles 16-17; Song of Solomon 4

AS THINGS PROGRESSIVELY GET WORSE...
Things seem to be moving much faster now. When we think about the bulk of our time in the book of Kings, the first 13 chapters covered basically one king, Solomon, and a time frame of 50 years. The rest of the time in 1 Kings (a total of 7 chapters) will cover 80 years, a whole bunch of Kings, and two different, split Kingdoms (Israel, 10 tribes in the North; Judah, 2 tribes in the South).
The human authors kind of keep things brief and concise since in the North, things will basically go from bad to worse and in the South, there will be some peaks and valleys in terms of good/poor Kings (more valleys than peaks). Someone asked about the reference to the “Annals of the Kings” that are referenced in scripture that provides more details about the various kings and their reigns - “where can I find them?” That’s what everyone wants to know   Sadly these historical records have been lost to history.
But as things are moving faster, we see the darkness is spreading in both Kingdoms. Both the rulers and the people are abandoning God with each successive reign. In its wake is pain, suffering, even greater division than there was previously. One would think that someone would’ve connected the dots. But before we get too tough on our ancestors, it’s a good reminder of how when we find ourselves in a sinful state, it’s easy to get trapped in a vicious cycle. We feel the guilt, the shame - which further isolates us from God. We believe the lies of the devil that tells us: that now that we’ve succumbed to this sin, there’s no hope, that God in His (justifiable) anger has abandoned us... we’ve made our bed/unmade our bed/completely destroyed the bed sheets and frame and there’s nothing we can do but sleep in it.
That seems to be the path that our ancestors are stuck in, which is painfully obvious as the people of God begin considering rebuilding the walls of Jericho (which if you remember from Joshua, that mighty city had been ruined by the people of God obeying His command to march around it for 7 days and blowing a horn - in other words, by God’s might - and the Lord had told them to leave it in ruins as a memory of what the Lord had done for His people...) Sin can sometimes lead not just to further disobedience, but the futile attempt to erase God from memory.
This is why the Song of Solomon is an interesting counter-point in the background for us. As we hear this erotic poetry, Jewish and Catholic traditions have revered it as an illustration of God’s love for His Bride Israel; Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. Love doesn’t always mean one will like what the beloved does... but is unrelenting in trying to bring healing, restoration, and reconciliation. As the Kingdoms become increasingly pagan, in the not-so-distant future, one of God’s fiercest, passionate preachers, Elijah, is ready to burst onto the scene...

Day 166 Responding in Faith

DAY 166: 1 Kings 17-18; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Song of Solomon 5

BACK TO BASICS
Chapters 17 and 18 are probably more familiar to us than any we have read so far from this First Book of Kings. The arrival of Elijah and his first moves come up in readings at Daily and Sunday Mass, so there’s probably familiarity with at least the story of Elijah going to the widow of Zarephath and how when she offers the little she has in hospitality to the prophet, the “jar of meal shall not be spent and the pitcher of oil shall not fail...” We see one of the greatest miracles in the Old Testament (pre-figuring Christ) by his intercessory prayer, God restoring life to that widow's son - and then the story of Elijah competing with the prophets of the false god baal.
I know for myself, coming in the midst of this daily reading through the Kingdoms of Israel (the Northern Kingdom of 10 tribes) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom of 2 tribes) with these unsettling, disturbing, and disheartening stories of apostasy and arrogance, we get a better sense of the importance of Elijah than we might have encountered in our learning about him at Mass. Because at Mass, he kind of abruptly shows up at different points with usually a connection to the Gospel readings and to see how Jesus Christ fulfills the law and the prophets of the Old Testament.
As we encounter Elijah here and now, we see the beauty of God’s love for His people. In the midst of wicked and corrupt generations, He sends His word to this simple man. When both nations have turned their backs on God, He calls to this one single person, Elijah who listens and does what God asks of him. First, it’s to simply go and be by himself near the Jordan and drink from the brook and eat the food provided by ravens. It’s a parallel to when the entire people of God were united and were being led through the wilderness and God provided food and manna for them. Elijah is obedient in these small matters and is renewed in his belief that when God calls and one is obedient, He provides. That lesson is replicated in the miraculous stories and in the dramatic confrontation with the prophets of baal.
It will be through this one man’s witness and example is enough to cause all the people to renounce their apostasy “The Lord, He is God; The Lord He is God!” and eliminate the false prophets from baal from their midst, and end the drought that they had been suffering. Just think about that - one man’s obedience to God is able to help lead these people out of the darkness that they had been (through self-inflicted wounds) suffered.
May we give thanks for the “Elijah’s” in our day and time that do the same for us. That goes against the conventional wisdom, swims against the stream, and what is popular to remind us of God's law and the need to be faithful, to be obedient. May we be obedient and attentive to listen to God’s call and obediently respond so that we can be an Elijah ourselves.

Day 167 - Viaticum

DAY 167: 1 Kings 19-20; 2 Chronicles 20; Song of Solomon 6

MEASURES OF SUCCESS
You’re faithful to all that the Lord asks of you. You follow His commands. You walk in His ways even when the entire world seems to be going against you. And after all that, you feel alone, abandoned, isolated. Wait a minute, did we just jump back to the book of Job? Or rather, does this seem oddly relatable?
That’s where we find Elijah the prophet as we pick up in 1 Kings 19 today. He has just demonstrated how false the pagan god baal and their prophets were in an epic and dramatic showdown... such that King Ahab is convinced and in fear and awe of the Lord. Yet when the King goes home to tell wifey-poo all that happened, she’s less than impressed. Queen Jezebel is livid and threatens Elijah’s life (how serious a threat it was is debatable - one would think if she wanted him dead, she would have sent assassins rather than messengers. Perhaps in some corner of that darkened heart, she too fears the Lord God and by extension, his prophet? But she’s most definitely not a fan and makes it clear, she wanted Elijah out of there yesterday!)
Elijah heads off, first to get his servant to safety. Is exhausted himself and feeling even more depressed than before as he’s praying for the Lord to take his life. At which point he gets a respite, some heavenly sustenance where an angel prepares a meal for him. Then Elijah goes further into the wilderness himself on a forty-day and forty-night journey to Mount Horeb (aka Sinai) - the mount of God *note again, another biblical moment of 40 days/40 nights being a period of preparation to encounter the Lord.
But let’s just pause here for a minute to think about how here is the prophet of the Lord has gotten to this moment of despair. Up till now, he’s fearlessly confronted enemies of the Lord - prophets, Kings who wanted him dead... He spent a year in a wilderness surviving on the food provided by the Lord through ravens - where his own faith in the Lord God was tested and deepened. That fidelity was affirmed and demonstrated with those miraculous encounters with the widow - first in providing food then in restoring the life of her son... All of which was a precursor to this moment where he was going to confront the apostasy of the Northern Kingdom. After that monumental experience, he saw many repenting of their sins and returning to the Lord. But not King Ahab and Queen Jezebel - who rather than have their hearts turn to the Lord in gratitude see Elijah (and ultimately God Himself as a threat to their power). He feels like a failure.
This is why the way the Lord meets Elijah in verses 9- 19 so moving to me. This passage of where Elijah finds the Lord who asks Him - Elijah, what are you doing here? Then the Lord invites him to go out and wait for the Lord to pass by. And the Lord does, but not in the strong wind that tore the mountains, not in the earthquake, not in the fire - but in the small, still voice. The Lord then asks again What are you doing here?
Does Elijah get the message? This is another one of those passages that is a favorite on retreats and is often assigned to people in Spiritual Direction when going through periods of discernment... so do we?
Elijah had his already preconceived notion of what success was supposed to look like. And because those hardened hearts of the King and Queen aren’t cracked (at least to Elijah), he is probably doubting his effectiveness, second-guessing all his sacrifices and wondering what was all this for. Yet the Lord gently points out to him that he can’t necessarily see, hear, or appreciate the effect that his faithfulness and fidelity would mean in the History of Salvation. Sometimes in the grand scheme of things, his efforts, our efforts can seemingly be insignificant, like a small still voice in the face of winds and earthquakes and fire. Yet when it is fulfilling the will of God, these acts of obedience end up being foundational in His ultimate plan and desire for humanity. Just think, Elijah some, 3,000 years ago as he’s wondering if he was a complete failure could never imagine that you and I would be reflecting on his story.
But here we are. 3,000 years later. Not called to confront Kings and Queens and challenge the prophets of baal - but being faithful to the Lord, witnesses to Jesus Christ in a world that’s eerily similar in finding new “false gods” to worship and as resistant (if not more) to the truth of the Gospel than these rulers were to the Lord God.
Can we hear that still small voice, encouraging us as we break open these scriptures to persevere, to dig deeper? Inviting us to trust that every act of love, of sacrifice, of fidelity to Him continues to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ -whether we see the effects of it or not...

Day 168 Wicked Kings

DAY 168: 1 Kings 21-22; 2 Chronicles 21; Song of Solomon 7

WHAT ONE SEEKS
Kings 21 is fascinating on a bunch of levels. We have King Ahab acting like an unruly child throwing a temper tantrum. You can picture him in his bed crying “Naboth won’t sell me his vineyard and I WANT IT!” In fairness to the crybaby, he did make a good offer - and probably imagined that since he was the king that Naboth would be amenable to the proposition.
But there’s a very good reason Naboth doesn’t want to accept the offer, or rather, can’t accept the offer. One that the very non-observant Jewish king of Israel is oblivious to or has forgotten. The vineyard is a “family inheritance” - which goes back to when God had led the people into Canaan, the land was divided up and given to different families. Naboth’s response “The Lord forbid” wasn’t just an utterance of shock or disbelief. It was a statement of truth. God had forbidden that the land be sold because they had reverence and respect that it wasn’t theirs in the first place. It was God’s land that He had gifted to the people of Israel (and parceled out to each family) Even if Naboth was open to the idea of selling this property in favor of a better parcel of land, he’s mindful that this was insulting and a violation of God’s law. We read (or heard) how this royal couple dealt with that truth. Lying, manipulating, conspiring, and having Naboth killed.
There’s a lot of lessons to unpack: 1 - Being faithful and obedient is oftentimes costly. It’s grossly unfair to see Naboth treated the way he was - but as people of faith, we always have to have a more expanded vision to recognize that there’s more than just this earthly life of ours. 2 - tied to that is how the desire for possessions, for things ultimately never satisfies those deepest longings within. Look at Ahab and Jezebel, they’re constantly scheming to somehow advance, their wealth, their power, and themselves, and with each move, they find themselves discontent. With God at the center of his life, Naboth seemingly dismisses the proposition outright “it’s forbidden” - he doesn’t entertain it, fantasize about it, or look for a loophole. By displacing God the King and Queen have seemingly never been satisfied. No matter how much they had - it was never enough. It never will be. God alone suffices. 3 - There is no room for sin in a person's life. Look how this snowballed - ignoring God’s word turned to envy, which turned to lying, fraud, killing and stealing. And the fact that Ahab continues to listen to his wife who’s been proven time and time again to be leading him astray.
Once again, God’s word comes to King Ahab - and by extension Queen Jezebel, and once again their eyes, their minds, and their hearts are closed to receiving His message. It was so awful that Elijah is sent to pronounce judgment on the King saying “there was none who sold himself to do what was evil... did very abominably.” (Vs 25-26). We see then, for some reason, Ahab’s eyes are open. Maybe the fact that Elijah had been validated in such a dramatic way with the prophets of baal resonated in his mind as he’s hearing these pronouncements of the Lord to him. That coupled with the fact that he went from desiring a garden to now the real possibility that it will have cost him his life and family.
As we reflect on these chapter, the words of C.S. Lewis come to mind: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.”
May we desire that true authentic Joy and always remember the only sure-fire way to receive it is in pursuing Him who pursued us first.

Day 169 Joash is Crowned

DAY 169: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 23; Song of Solomon 8

DEFINITION OF INSANITY
It’s said that Albert Einstein was the one who first said “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Too bad he was about 2,000 years too late to share that sage advice with King Ahab. Then again, it’s doubtful he would have listened in the first place.
Ahab seems insistent not only in doing bad things, to countless examples of horrific results; but purposely ignoring good advice, divinely given advice - which also ends in horrific fashion. Here he and the King of Judah, Jehoshophat  are united as in-laws (since Ahab’s daughter has married Jehoshophat’s son) and at one of their family gatherings Ahab brings up that a city that was lost in war to the Syrians three years ago belonged to his Kingdom (North, Israel) so he asks Jehoshophat and his Kingdom (south, Judah) to help him in this cause.
Because Jehoshophat is from the remnant that is at least somewhat more faithful to the Lord, He says “maybe we should ask God first” (Good call Jo Jo) Ahab says “sure... you want prophets” and he brings out 400 “prophets” - who are really simply yes men. Jo Jo isn’t quite so convinced and asks “uh, Is there not here another prophet of the Lord?” This is when Ahab proves his insanity “yeah there’s another guy, (Micaiah) but he never tells me what I want to hear.”
You have to admire one thing - the guy’s being honest. Sure enough, he gives Ahab news he doesn’t want to hear “if you fight, you will die.” Ahab thinks if he just wears a disguise, he will be able to avoid getting killed, which, unsurprisingly, doesn’t work.
I’m left wondering why it was Jehoshophat went along with the plan, when obviously he could see the folly from the get-go (he was the one who first wanted to inquire of the Lord and it was he who recognized that of the 400 prophets that were speaking, none of them seemed genuine or sincere) But the disastrous end of a disastrous reign of Ahab provides an opportunity for our reflection. The importance of genuineness and sincerity when we go to the Lord. Because the true purpose of prayer is not about getting what we want or our desire to change God’s mind - but rather it is meant to change us to conform to His desires and align ourselves with God’s mind.

Day 170 Joash's Downfall

DAY 170: 2 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 24; Psalm 69

SPEAKING TRUTH - IN SEASON OR NOT
Today we begin 2 Kings - which is basically a continuation of the narrative of when the people of God were ruled by Monarchs (Israel with 10 tribes to the North; Judah with 2 tribes to the South). And it’s about halfway through that time period (1 Kings covers about 150 years and 2 Kings covers about 190 years) So again, it’s not you if you’re feeling a bit confused. We’re covering a lot of history and two different kingdoms that overlap.
We can see how that confusion isn’t just in our reading/studying of these scriptures but is very much a part of this history. We pick up today with the recently deceased Ahab’s son Ahaziah has assumed the throne. We read he’s not effective as a ruler (Moab was a city that had been under the Northern Kingdom, Israel’s rule since King David). So the Kingdom of Israel was continuing its downward spiral in terms of power and authority. That was due to the worse downward spiral - spiritually. This is obvious when Ahaziah suffers this tragic fall that left him seriously injured. The old saying “there are no atheists in foxholes” comes to mind here - when facing a serious issue, when it’s a matter of life and death, people reveal their deepest hopes and beliefs. So the man who hasn’t darkened a Church his whole life might offer a silent prayer to God when faced with a serious medical diagnosis.
For Ahaziah, this critical moment has him turn not to God, but the false, pagan gods of baal. This wasn’t just a personal preference - this was an example that he was instilling in the people as well. What happens next is interesting. The Lord God intervenes, and sends Elijah to give him the message that Ahaziah, you’ve abandoned God for these false gods and you will die as a result of this. Ahaziah realizes this is Elijah and sends troops to search for him. Suffice it to say this isn’t to throw him a “thank you party.” Ahaziah sees Elijah as that pain in the neck to his family - and his pagan beliefs are so ingrained that he believes that Elijah can change this prophecy if he’s captured and forced to do so. That’s why the King is so insistent on sending troops three times after Elijah.

The arrogance and lack of humility is what calls down fire upon these folks (interesting to note that when Jesus’ apostles James and John the “sons of thunder” want to do the same in Samaria, Jesus has a much different tact... but I can digress and this can get really long here   )
One of the inspiring takeaways is reflecting on how Elijah doesn’t falter. The heartbreak he had experienced when Ahaziah’s parents had not listened to his prophecies, the rejection and isolation that had driven him at one point to be so crushed he prayed God to take his life, are gone. He confidently returns and proclaims God’s word once again, which is fulfilled soon after. In that, he reveals that a true prophet will proclaim God’s truth - whether it’s welcomed or not. As we encounter a world growing more and more hostile to the Lord, following all sorts of false gods and consulting fake prophets, kind of like Ahab did - telling them what they want to hear, the importance of our faithfully proclaiming God’s word is more important than ever. Yet, to do it without “fire” and always modeling our example after that of God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

Day 171 Elijah and Elisha

DAY 171: 2 Kings 2; 2 Chronicles 25; Psalm 70

ELIJAH AND ELISHA
The “transition” of Elijah is one of the most mysterious chapters we will come upon in the Old Testament. Unlike Moses who dies and is buried, as Elijah is preparing for his departure, God repeats what He accomplished through Moses, the parting of the Sea, and then Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind, a chariot of fire and horsemen into heaven. Throughout this experience, his right-hand man, his “apprentice”; his “spiritual” son, Elisha is with him through it all. He asks for a “double portion” of Elijah’s prophecy skills (which sounds presumptuous, but in this time and place, would have been on par with what was customary of the eldest son inheriting from his father, a double share of the Father’s property - so Elisha is reinforcing his conviction that Elijah has been a father to him)
What’s even more curious is after this miraculous and unprecedented ascension, the other prophets want to send a search party to look for him! Our scripture professor in seminary explained that for ancient Jews their understanding of heaven was still very unclear. It was hard for them to believe he would be with God himself, so they wonder if perhaps God had transported him to some other remote location... a sort of “retirement” if you will.
After three days and the search party finds no trace of him, they return to Elisha, the one appointed by God to succeed Elijah. One of the first things that happen is an even more bonkers event with these “youths” mocking Elisha for being bald, and Elisha seemingly thin-skinned about it and using these new prophetic powers to get even, by summoning she-bears to maul and attack them.
One commentary explains that this is a connection with Elijah and the way he was treated in the previous chapter by Ahaziah who sent groups of soldiers to get him to come back and “change” the prophecy he didn’t like (predicting his death). If you remember, three sets of 50 went, and the first two were consumed by fire. The main infraction was the lack of respect they had not for Elijah personally, but for his being a prophet of the Lord. Particularly at a time when idol/pagan worship had displaced God’s centrality among His people.
That’s continuing here. This mob of “unruly youths” weren’t simply mocking Elisha’s lack of hair, but mocking the new prophet of the Lord. We see in all these mysterious events how God’s power and authority are still being displayed. And how He will continue to try to speak to closed-minded, hardened-heart people - who remain His people.

Day 172 Uzziah's Pride

DAY 172: 2 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 26-27; Psalm 72:

READY FOR THE BATTLE?
With all the names, and trying to keep the narratives straight, Chapter 3 is a confusing one to be sure. At the beginning of this second book of Kings, we first heard about the Moabites rebelling against Israel. After that brief mention, we had a lot of ground to cover with the ending of Elijah’s life and Elisha’s ascending as a new prophet that now we return to that issue.
Jehoram who has become King of Israel (the Northern 10 tribes) builds a coalition with the King of Judah (the Southern Kingdom of 2 tribes) and the neighboring Kingdom of Edom to get Moab back under the authority of the Kingdom of Israel. This territory, Moab, had been a part of the Kingdom since the time of King David as a “vassal state.” The rebellion was a costly one as we heard all those lambs and rams that were part of their annual tribute were jeopardized. So there were a lot of economic, and political issues at work here. And you can see that’s what is the downfall to the Kingdom of Israel once again: God is an afterthought to Jehoram. It’s only when they are in a bind en route to this battle with Moab that Israel, that they think to reach out to God “is there no prophet here?” Elisha ultimately gives them God’s message - first, he provides pools in the desert and tells them that He will lead them to take Moab and “conquer every fortified city.” He is once again inviting them back into a relationship with Him where they would be His people and He would be their God.
As they are coming close to victory, a horrific thing occurs that shakes the united forces. The King of Edom believes if he sacrifices his son, the crown prince who is to succeed him on the throne to their god chemosh, that they will be victorious. In the face of such evil, what happens? The shock, grossness, and barbarism of this human sacrifice demoralize and strikes fear in the Israelites that they abandon their fight and retreat.
God had ordered them to take Moab. He had provided for them and promised them victory; now they are running in fear of a false god. Had they remained obedient to God’s promise they were certain to have emerged victorious.
But that’s the point. They haven’t been obedient for some time. And what the Israelites demonstrate is that faithfulness isn’t a light switch they can simply turn on and off. This fundamental lack of trust in God and fear for a false god caused them to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. And embolden this rebellion to become an enemy and ongoing obstacle for the Israelites.
God promises to equip us, walk with us, fight for us in the battle that matters the most: against evil. But we have to be ready and prepared for the fight.

Day 173 Confidence in God

DAY 173: 2 Kings 4; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 127

FILL ME UP
Reading 2 Kings 4, something hit me that hadn’t before (I doubt that this is an original thought, just “new” to me   ) This widow goes to Elisha the prophet telling him of her crisis. She’s out of money, she has debts, and the creditor is coming to take her children as “slaves” (which you might remember, was not like our horrific history of slavery... it was not uncommon in these ancient civilizations as a way of paying off their debts for someone to end up being a slave for a period of time).
The first thing that stood out is noticing what the widow did. It would have been easy to become bitter and negative “why did my husband have to die;” “why did he leave me with all these debts;” “no one cares...” It’s understandable that we can have those thoughts and feelings when faced with struggle and there’s seemingly no way out. But the widow has not turned in anger against God or stopped trusting in His goodness and care. By going to the prophet of the Lord, she’s demonstrating she still believes, she still trusts, and she has faith.
What she discovers is God isn’t just looking to fix this issue. We have a God who is a loving Father and wants to pour out in abundance. In this instance literally and figuratively! Elisha asks her “what have you in the house” and her response “nothing, except a jar of oil.” He tells her, you’re going to want to get some more jars - as many jars as you can get.
Immediately my mind went to the different Gospel accounts when Jesus wants to give the multitudes surrounding Him something to eat and the apostles respond that all they have is two loaves and a few fish. We know the rest of the story - thousands are fed, - “all who ate were satisfied” - and then there was more fish and loaves leftover than what they started with.
This is what happens to this widow as well. Only when she’s run out of jars does the oil stop flowing - which supplies more than enough to pay off her debts... She and her sons will never live as slaves.
God is constantly looking for ways to fill us up with what we need. With His grace, His favor, His blessings... If I get frustrated with what is lacking in my life if I fixate on what I don’t have that can quickly turn to bitterness, anger, and envy. The widow reminds us to put our hearts and minds in alignment with God, bring what “little” we have, and prepare to be amazed by how God continues to pour out an abundance to fill what is empty, how He wants to show off how He can do far more than we ever conceived.

Day 174 The Prophet Hosea

DAY 174: 2 Kings 5; Hosea 1-3; Psalm 101

PROPHETIC TRUTH
Today, as Fr. Mike mentioned on the podcast yesterday, we’re pausing on the book of Second Chronicles and beginning to delve into the “minor prophets” (minor only in terms of the length of the books of scripture, not in importance). We begin with the prophet Hosea, whose name means “one who makes salvation.” A couple of unique characteristics to keep in mind:
Hosea is from the Northern Kingdom and his prophetic words are directed to them. But right out of the gate, (to confuse us trying to keep the North and South in order) he mentions four Kings of Judah. So it's good to know that while the Southern Kingdom resisted falling into the complete degradation that the North does, they aren’t without their problems. For example, Uzziah violated the temple worship rules by taking a priestly role for himself; Jotham starts to allow some of the corruption of the North to influence his reign in the South; and Ahaz will be characterized as a “wicked” king of Judah who stubbornly refuses to repent.

That trio will be followed by Hezekiah who brings about reform and restoration to Judah, enacting reforms for the temple and proper worship.
In the North, the King we hear about is Jeroboam (who we talked about on days 162 & 163) the first King of Israel who brought in “golden calves” so the people didn't have to go to Jerusalem anymore to the temple (which if you remember was a really, really bad idea).
Anyway, while the book of Hosea isn’t very long, it actually covers 40 years of the prophetic ministry that the Lord entrusts to him. 40 years of God’s sadness over what has become of His people - that’s what is front and center from the outset. He tries to find a way for people to imagine it and uses the wrenching example of a spouse whose spouse is unfaithful to them. Think about the awesomeness and vulnerability of God sharing this intimate part of Himself: God’s broken heart. Yet it will take 40 years for that message to break through. For a change to occur. For repentance to begin.
A commentator described it like this: A man trying to break a stone smashes a hammer on it and there’s no visible change. He smashes again and again with seemingly no results. After 10 attempts, finally, the stone crumbles. Was it the last swing or the result of all those attempts up until then? Obviously, it was the latter.
In Hosea, we encounter God with his broken heart, who doesn’t smash but keeps knocking on the hardest, coldest of hearts to relent, melt and finally return to Him.

Day 175 Knowledge of God

DAY 175: 2 Kings 6-7 ; Hosea 4-7; Psalm 103

NAVIGATING HOSEA
Yesterday we began the book of Hosea, and once again the gift of this BIAY journey comes to mind. That we are entering into the fullness of scripture in a way that we don’t get to experience at a Catholic Mass where we hear proclaimed excerpted passages from these texts. For example, reading the entire book so many other dimensions are revealed:
Hosea, who as a prophet is giving voice to God, sounds emotional, somewhat irrational, even contradictory at times - I’ll forget your children... I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot. It can be hard to follow which is why it’s good to remember that we are reading in 4 days what was recounting 40 years for Hosea. Some of the more emotional utterances are trying to capture the stages of anger, grief, of hurt, that a spouse has when their spouse has been (and continues to be) unfaithful as illustrative of the hurt God feels by His people’s rejection, worshiping false gods and idol worship. At the same time, God, remains faithful, whose mercy is without end, and whose love is unconditional. So you have historical realities, poetic imagery, and parables all mixed together all with the goal of somehow capturing these unfaithful people’s attention and ultimately their hearts.
For us, Hosea’s prophetic words resonate outside of this particular time and space to speak similarly. We who are believers who strive to remain faithful have to receive it with a bit more of an expansive mindset. For example, hopefully, we’ve not fallen into full apostasy, idol worship allowing that to displace God’s centrality in our lives. But perhaps God’s not fully at the center. He certainly isn’t in the world around us. And when we recognize that, the lack of peace, the confusion we hear in these chapters is a bit more relatable.

It’s then that verses like: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge...” (Hosea 4:5) stand out. In this instance, as the prophet is addressing the unfaithful northern kingdom, he seems to be shifting to believers here. How some have information about God, but not an intimate relationship with Him - and the ripple effect that has in ignorance metastasizes.
Which is one of the reasons this Bible in a Year is so important. More than likely there was a variety of reasons each of us felt compelled to sign up for that podcast. Maybe it was a New Years Resolution; or a bucket list thing of something we always wanted to do. Maybe it was the invitation of a friend or we just saw the notification on iTunes under “New and noteworthy” and decided to check it out. Whatever the initial reason we thought we were doing this, by now, hopefully, we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit initiating that in a specific and personal way, ultimately to help foster a more “Biblical world view” as Fr Mike has mentioned many times. In that, we help to turn an “unfaithful generation” back to the Lord. We hear the prophet’s call and respond with proper repentance and ultimately a desire to return to Him with our whole hearts.

Day 176 Choosing Eternal Life

DAY 176: 2 Kings 8; Hosea 8-10; Psalm 108

ELISHA WEEPS:
The last few days as we’ve delved into the prophet Hosea, we’ve focused on the heartbreak of God in light of the infidelity of the people of Israel (characterized as the infidelity of a wife to her spouse) In today’s reading from 2 Kings, we come to a verse that stands out “...and the man of God wept” (2 Kings 8: 11) That might remind you of how when we read through the Gospel of John, we encountered the shortest verse in the entirety of the Bible- Old and New Testament: “Jesus Wept” (John 11: 35)
What has happened is that this King of Syria has inquired of Elisha if he would recover from his illness. That’s surprising in itself since this is a gentile (non-Jewish) king who had a bit of a negative history with the people of God (1 Kings 15, 1 Kings 20; 2 Kings 6) Yet despite that history, obviously, the King recognizes something of truth in the Lord God that he sends forth this emissary to see what his future entails. (Again we see, there are no atheists in foxholes   ) Elisha tells Hazael that Ben-hadad will not die from the illness, but that he will die as he fixes his gaze and stares at Hazael. Which is what causes him to weep.
Hazael seems taken aback wondering what’s going on. Did he not know what he himself was capable of doing? Or rather was he unaware that the prophet of the Lord who would be able to see into the future, could also see what was in this man’s heart. He saw past the false humility of the man thinking there was no way he’d become King. He exits pretty quickly when Elisha mentions the evil that would be unleashed on the people of Israel by this future King (who promptly goes home and suffocates Ben-hadad)
What causes Elisha to weep, is seeing the destruction that such an evil man will unleash on the people of God (if a servant could go and suffocate his king, how would he treat foreigners whom he has no respect for?) Elisha also weeps at what always causes God to weep- seeing any hearts of people far from God. Whether it’s Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus - seeing how sin has unleashed sickness and death have caused such heartache, grief to what was the perfection of creation, or when Jesus “wept over Jerusalem” recognizing that even though the crowds would cheer and welcome Him on Palm Sunday, they would scream “crucify Him” days later demonstrating how far they were from truly embracing God.
Hearts far from God. That’s what caused Elisha, caused God to weep. And it still does.

Day 177 Return, O Israel

DAY 177: 2 Kings 9; Hosea 11-14; Psalm 109

BEAUTY IN THE HEARTACHE
Rarely do I find myself feeling emotional reading something. Watching a movie or TV program it happens on occasion... But reading, I don’t normally have that experience. But these chapters of Hosea, perhaps after being with the prophet for the last few days and reading the entirety of it I found profoundly moving.
Because while in the background, there’s that refrain of Israel’s infidelity - which a few times now, we’ve discussed how heart-wrenching that is for God - and that’s being recounted again in these last chapters - what’s even more obvious? God can’t stop loving - on them, on us...
My heart recoils within me
my compassion grows warm and tender
I will not execute my fierce anger (11:8)
As God recalls “the long history of rebellion” - it’s not with anger - there’s sadness at the failures for sure, but it’s recounted with a hopeful optimism of people’s eventual coming home, returning to the Lord. You can almost hear Jesus’ composing His parable of the prodigal son as we reflect here.
And as Hosea closes out there’s a confidence in God’s “plea” for repentance. “You have stumbled” is followed by “I will heal their faithlessness; I will love them freely...”
There’s exquisite beauty in these three chapters. One thing I plan on doing is preparing to go for confession by doing an examination of conscience and then re-reading these three chapters recognizing that as much as our sins bring sadness to God, He rejoices in being our savior...
Whoever is wise,
let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning,
let him know them;
for the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them (14:9)

Day 178 Called Back

DAY 178: 2 Kings 10; Amos 1-3; Psalm 110

AUTHENTIC WITNESS
After spending the last few days with Hosea- today we start with another “minor” prophet, Amos (reminder, “minor” meaning the books are short in comparison to someone like Isaiah).
Amos is a somewhat mysterious figure. Unlike Hosea who spent 40 years in this ministry, Amos’ time as a prophet is only 2 years. His main occupation was as a shepherd and farming. Although he was from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, his ministry was to the Northern Kingdom - and eventually, these words were written down for benefit to the people in the Southern Kingdom, and all God’s people in subsequent generations.
He’s dealing with King Jeroboam who is remembered as a “wicked” king. He was wicked because while he was enjoying success from a political perspective (mostly in rescuing territories the Kingdom of Israel had lost to other nations) he loses sight that this was not of his own doing. He forgets God - and as Israel enjoys wealth and prosperity, many of the people do as well. Amos finds himself suddenly enlisted into service by the Lord to speak this word of judgment, calling Israel to repentance.
One of the beautiful things about Amos - is his humility. He makes no pretense about who he is. Right from the outset, it’s like “look I’m a shepherd, I was busy about doing my work, and God is ticked and wanted me to tell you, so here it is folks.” After he does this duty, he kind of disappears from scripture. There’s a simplicity and trust in that - God asked Him to share this message, he does and then he is happy to simply return to his life before. In that, you get the sense that this “interruption” wasn’t such to Amos. He obviously was already in a relationship with God to recognize his life before this ministry was a gift from God - as was this time of prophecy. There’s a bold and unequivocal surrender to God’s call, which is in stark contrast to the entirety of the Kingdom of Israel (and in some smaller ways the Kingdom of Judah as well) God is able to use this man’s genuineness and sincerity to make him an even more authentic witness to the prophetic words.
As we enter into these chapters and continue along in 2 Kings, may we take some time to humbly recall the gifts that the Lord entrusts to us for His glory. How is He looking to utilize all the amazing gifts, and talents that you already possess to help people encounter the Lord, hear His voice, turn away from the sinful ways of our world and look to be in right relationship with Him?

Day 179 Blinded by Comfort

DAY 179: 2 Kings 11-12; Amos 4-6; Psalm 122

THE YOUNG KING
These chapters of 2 Kings are pretty tough to navigate. Not just with the violence (i.e. yesterday’s reading of a pile of heads) but trying to keep track of everyone being mentioned. Particularly in today’s readings, it gets even more confusing because we have some crossovers between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.
We are dealing with the Southern Kingdom of Judah today, but Athaliah is the daughter of that dynamic duo from the North - King Ahab and Jezebel. Athaliah had married the King of the South, Jehoram. Their son, Ahaziah, having succeeded his father on the throne for a year before himself being killed when visiting the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The mother in her “grief” decides to take the throne for herself and kill every possible heir to the throne. She’s successful in killing her grandsons, except for Joash, who is saved by Jehosheba (sister of King Ahaziah).
I know, I know, like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of the People of God’s lives... - the soap opera gets more and more complicated with each twist and turn. The rivalries envy, plotting and scheming and manipulations - all with this ongoing refrain of false worship of baal having spread throughout the kingdom of the North - now starting to work its way down into the Southern Kingdom is a lot to navigate.
Always a good reminder - division, lack of peace, tension, turmoil - are all signs of the devil at work, they always follow sinfulness. Yet in the midst of this, we see a child with a divine destiny being saved and protected from the evils of the world (like Moses before him... like Jesus after him). God is still at work of rescuing his people from their waywardness by working with the remnant of good, God-fearing people who remain. Joash will help bring restoration of true worship to Judah.
As we recall how Joash was preserved and brought to this moment for this purpose, it’s a good opportunity to pause and reflect on where we are in our lives, in our response to God’s initiatives, fulfilling His purpose here and now. Hopefully, we’re not trying to elude murderous grandmothers, but our families, friends, and workplaces are usually a mixed bag of benevolent and malevolent people. There are temptations to give in to worldly fears - while the fear of the Lord calls us into deeper intimacy and relationship with God seeing past this world. Imagining the 7-year-old being crowned - how has God crowned you with His favor? How do you respond to your divine call?

Day 180 Giving Time to God

DAY 180: 2 Kings 13-14; Amos 7-9; Psalm 124

SEMPER FI
A childhood friend who from my earliest recollections wanted to be a United States Marine (practically every Halloween he dressed up as a Marine in a variety of different uniforms) enlisted, a few years out of high school. When sharing his experiences of boot camp, he talked about the seemingly maniacal regimented lifestyle and the strict discipline that consumed his life for those 12 + weeks (makes seminary seem like a cake walk   ) The easiest explanation for this training was that the instructors needed to break them down in order to build them up again. It’s an overhaul physically, mentally, and even spiritually for many of the men and women who enter the corps. And it was undeniable recognizing the transformation upon his graduation.
That memory came to mind as we conclude these chapters from the prophet Amos today. It can sound pretty dire when we come upon those verses describing “striking” “shattering” and “shaking the house of Israel as one shakes with a sieve...” That’s been a recurring theme through these 9 chapters. We’re well-acquainted with why: God’s people had become spiritually hollow - keeping some of the traditions and trappings of their faith but lacking any authenticity, any sincerity. They had gone after false gods, and become worldly. And so Amos has been warning of the coming “humbling” of the people.
That’s not a vengeful, angry God looking to settle the score with them. He’s allowing the consequences of their choices to be fully felt. They are already experiencing the devastating effects of their infidelity. The prophet is just underlining it for them and telling them God is allowing them to experience that, so they will get to “rock bottom” because, without God, that’s where one will always find themselves. But the prophet isn’t rubbing this truth in their faces and shrugging their shoulders in a “told you so mentality” - he’s telling them, that God has allowed them to experience this, so He can rebuild them again. In those closing verses we hear the tender language of the rebirth of what God will do to His people:
I will restore the fortunes of my people...
They shall rebuild...
They shall plant...
They shall make gardens...
It’s a painful lesson they - and we - sometimes have to learn, and re-learn, and re-learn again. But at the heart of it, is the one consistent, eternal, unchanging thing: God is always faithful.

Day 181 Jonah and the Whale

DAY 181: 2 Kings 15; Jonah 1-4; Psalm 138

IMPROBABLE
Think back to in January when we were navigating Genesis and reflected on the story of Abraham and God’s covenant with him. We heard God promise that this (at that point) childless old man and his wife, would have: “descendants like the dust of the earth; if anyone could count the dust of the earth, your descendants too might be counted.” (Genesis 13: 16) Abraham kind of balked at that word - as did Sarah.
It just seemed too improbable.
Kind of like a prophet ending up in the belly of a fish.
Or that this prophet after such disobedience to the Lord, praying from the belly of the fish would experience salvation and another chance.
Or these non-Jewish, pagan people would listen to the words of the prophet and repent better than most of the Jewish listeners to other prophets.
God consistently shocks His creatures making the improbable - probable. Ever since Genesis, He’s revealed Himself to be a Father who wants His creation to rejoice in His glory, to allow ourselves to be surprised and moved to reverence and wonder and awe at who He is and how He loves us and longs for us.
What’s somewhat sad in this short narrative is how Jonah who as a prophet is purportedly a man of God - that he after all this still is confused. The closing chapter finds him more depressed over a gourd plant dying than the potential for people to have been consumed in God’s wrath.

Jonah's vision is still too narrow, and his heart is still too narrow to recognize how the Father cares for the people of Nineveh just as he does the tribes of Israel and Judah and all of the earth. Did he miss how David envisioned: All the kings of the earth shall praise you O Lord? The descendants of Abraham, scattered throughout the earth - how will that come to be? The original vision of God’s people being a light to all the nations has gone off course as they are still falling for pagan gods themselves, infighting, and rejecting God’s commands. So God uses Jonah to speak a prophetic word and rather than rejoicing at the response, he’s sulking.
Fortunately for Jonah, God is patient even with this reluctant prophet. Fortunately for all of us who are undeserving of His mercy and forgiveness, who are unfit for the Kingdom of God, He continues to come after us in order to save us.

Day 182 The Inescapable God

DAY 182: 2 Kings 16; Micah 1-4; Psalm 139

NOTHING IS MINOR TO GOD
Today we begin another “minor” prophet - Micah. Now even though we’ve discussed that “minor” isn’t in relation to the importance, but a characterization of the length of the writings - in Micah’s case, there’s another thing that slightly diminishes him. He’s a contemporary of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. So he oftentimes gets lost or overlooked in some biblical scholarship.
But there’s something incredibly special and important about Micah. Not only is his ministry directed to the Northern Kingdom but also the Southern Kingdom - and Jerusalem, in particular, speaking to some of the abuses and corruption that had now infested what was supposed to be the holiest of places and “the remnant” that will be so essential (as we read in 2 Kings the infighting between the North and the South and the beginning of the devastating time of exile)

But for us as Catholic Christians, we look to Micah for something beautifully contained in his messages. As Micah’s calling out the failures, calling people to repentance, predicting the setbacks that will occur - there’s this nugget: But you O Bethlehem Ephratah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old from ancient days.
Bethlehem - a minor town... a minor prophet thinking that this message of importance is speaking to the historic realities he was confronting. As prophetic as Micah was, he probably had no idea of the importance of Bethlehem, and Who that ruler was going to be, and exactly how everlasting that reign would be. A good reminder that when dealing with God, there is no such thing as “minor.” With all humility, we should be mindful and eager to participate in each of the individual roles that we play in God’s continued unfolding plans for His creation.

Day 183 Israel Falls to Assyria

DAY 183: 2 Kings 17; Micah 5-7; Psalm 140

THE REST OF THE STORY
Some years ago, there was a radio personality named Paul Harvey who in these couple-minute monologues would reveal characters or aspects that might have been unknown to a majority of people regarding some familiar stories ending these lessons with "and now you know the rest of the story." I’m hopeful that as we encounter these somewhat difficult and sad chapters, the same is true for us.
Today we read of the “fall” of Israel. It’s described as a “fall to Assyria” - the foreign power that is successful in conquering the kingdom. The immediate reason for the fall doesn't seem overly dramatic in comparison to some of what we've read up to this point. In fact, there’s not a lot of detail about what "the evil in the sight of the Lord" King Hoshea had done. But the reality is this “fall” has been a long time in coming, which is the point that verses 7-23 itemize in tragic detail.
As I was reading that, what came to mind was Abraham’s “bargaining” with God back in Genesis over Sodom “what if there are 50 innocent people... 45?.... 40?” as he continues to beg God not to level the wickedness of that depraved people. At Abraham’s intercession, God held out hope and promised that even if there were but 10 people he would not destroy it, and sadly, we know the rest of the story.
No doubt some in Israel were surprised when their kingdom ultimately had fallen. And the reason they were surprised? Because they had become presumptuous of God’s mercy. They had heard the prophetic warnings but with each relenting of punishment, rather than being thankful for that undeserved gift, moving towards Him, making their repentance and contrition genuine, sincere, and complete - instead, the lukewarmness, the indifference continued to grow in their hearts, in their words, in their actions.
As they experienced the loss of the promised land, and found themselves displaced, we can only imagine what was in their hearts. Sadly, some would continue in this rebellious way and double down on their apostasy, their rejection, their rebellion. We read in today’s chapter how foreign peoples are brought into Samaria - and what we will find in the chapters to follow, that when some of the Jews are allowed to return, they “inter-marry” them. Which had been forbidden from the earliest days of the Jews making their way through the wilderness, awaiting the fulfillment of entering the Promised Land.
But what's interesting for us is how this is the root of “the rest of the story” of all the tension and hatred between Jews and Samaritans when we read about Jesus and the Woman at the Well in the Gospel of John. We are at the beginning point of all that mess here in 2 Kings. What's exciting to realize is that we can rejoice knowing how Jesus will utilize that as a beginning point to His proclamation of the Gospel - the message of salvation to not just 12 tribes or a single people but to the entire world.
Which is one of the gifts of this biblical journey. Through this study, we’re being able to examine the masterpiece of God’s creation - seeing different shades and colors we may have never noticed before. Yes these dark shades in and of themselves are frustrating and seemingly destroy all that God had intended in His original design. But we can take a step back and see how he would bring about even more beauty in the face of those messes and errors and missteps.
May we learn from our ancestors not to presume God’s mercy, we’re supposed to be thankful for it. Recognizing and allowing ourselves to be changed by the fact that no matter what “mess” we may find ourselves in, at our own doing or the failures of those around us, all it takes is that moment of authentic returning for Him to change the rest of our story.

Day 184 Hezekiah Reigns

DAY 184: 2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29; Psalm 141

CONTRASTS
As we enter a new period in our bible timeline, interestingly we don’t spend much time on the Northern Kingdom’s dismantling and scattering in 2 Kings. We move south to the Kingdom of Judah and meet King Hezekiah. Now at this point, Judah (led by Hezekiah’s father King Ahaz) had also been corrupted by the awful practices of the North. It’s amazing to see that at a time when the People of God (from the North) were at their lowest and Judah seemed hell-bent to follow that, this son Hezekiah proves to be the ultimate of reformers.
He abolishes all the pagan worship that had begun to corrupt the true worship of the Temple: fertility “shrines”; stone monuments for idol worship; eliminating these “Asherah poles” that were dedicated to a Canaanite goddess. Curiously we read how the “serpent” that God had ordered Moses to fashion as a source of healing - an artifact that had such historic importance and religious significance to the people is destroyed. The people had corrupted that and began to make offerings to that serpent, so Hezekiah takes the bold step and destroys it.
As we have in the not-so-distant background of the depths to which the Northern Kingdom had fallen, coupled with the warnings of the prophets which were ignored - it’s a welcome relief to hear and see the faithful leadership, the restoration, and in fact transformation that Hezekiah begins to undertake here. While this chapter notes all that had led to exile for the North was because “they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God” (v 12) Hezekiah “did what was right” “there was none like him” “for he held fast to the Lord.” That says it all. He was obedient and righteous, and in that time of great apostasy, the results couldn’t be more starkly different.
While we are in a different covenantal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, there are things that stand out for reflection. The United States and most of the “western world” is moving into a post-Christian/secular mindset (in other words, a return to paganism) Unsurprisingly, the tension, and division, seems to increase with each passing day. Simply not going along with what is popular or “mainstream” as we continue to open ourselves to God’s word in scripture, as we participate in the Sacramental life of the Church by going to Mass and confession makes us as radical and significant in many ways to those around us as Hezekiah was in that moment of history. It may seem like swimming against the current, but when we strive to remain faithful, and obedient to the Lord, he strengthens our arms, he supplies the energy to keep pushing against that tide. Happy to be in the water with you all 

Day 185 Hezekiah's Prayer

DAY 185: 2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 30; Psalm 143

MOCKING GOD
As we read Chapter 19 today, it’s important to keep in mind that even though this is a battle between two earthly rulers at this particular historical point - Hezekiah, the King of Judah, and Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, on another level it’s this ongoing spiritual battle with Satan trying to battle God.

Unfortunately too often people mistakenly see this as a war of equals, which it’s not. God who is all-powerful, all-loving, creator of all things, has the ability to completely vanquish evil - which at the end of time, will occur. But in the interim, the only way for free will to ultimately exist is for humanity to have the ability to choose either to reject or accept God.
And that’s what is at the heart of this battle. Remember yesterday, Sennacherib mocking God: “Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this confidence of yours?” as he mocks belief and confidence in the Lord, saying to the people “Did Hezekiah actually tell you that God would deliver you? Has any of the other gods of other nations ever delivered his land out of the king of Assyria?
Gotta give Assyria/Satan some credit here - that line has worked before. Remember back in the garden of Eden - the serpent “did God say you shall not eat of any tree of the garden?... you will not die, God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God.” That’s basically the same argument we see at work here. The devil is never creative, the same old lies, are recycled over and over again.
What is new, what is unique is seeing Hezekiah’s reaction. He doesn’t give into the fears and anxieties of those around him. He doesn’t second guess his ending of all the apostasy, heresies and false worship to false gods cause him to lose faith. He doesn’t let whatever interior distress he’s experiencing cause him to waver.
Unlike our ancestors in the Garden, we see in Hezekiah what they should have done: He calls out to the Lord in prayer. He prays with praise, with confidence, with surrender. And with that the mighty Assyrians also learn the difference between false gods and the Lord God Almighty... and the people of God in the Kingdom of Judah recognize anew the importance of having faithful, God-loving, God-fearing leaders, and being such themselves.
Each of us is assaulted with worries, anxieties, and fears on a regular, even daily basis. Satan is going to continue to throw the kitchen sink at us hoping even for the slightest of cracks in our faithfulness and commitment. Hoping that his taunts “do you think listening to the bible is going to have any effect on you?” “Do you think saying a prayer is going to help with that illness, that difficulty, that obstacle?” May Hezekiah be another example to inspire us in those moments of trial - of the faithfulness of God when we remain faithful to Him.

Day 186 Struggles with Self-Interest

DAY 186: 2 Kings 20; 2 Chronicles 31; Psalm 145

ANSWERED PRAYERS AND OUR RESPONSE
Today’s reading from 2 Kings ran the full emotional roller coaster. We start off with Hezekiah suffering from a deadly illness. So serious, that Isaiah the prophet basically warns him “get things in order.” When a prophet tells you that, you know it’s serious. We read of the effect that news has on the King, how he prays and weeps - and we encounter one of the most beautifully intimate, compassionate words in this book of Kings:
Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father:
I have heard your prayer,
I have seen your tears;
behold I will heal you;
on the third day, you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
And I will add fifteen years to your life...(2 Kings 20: 5-6)
Again, when we’re tempted to think that God in the Old Testament is “mean” compared to Jesus, this is a good example to disabuse that notion. This faithful servant’s prayer is answered in a direct, personal way that is miraculous. The generosity and goodness of God are on display in such a dramatic way - which is what makes what happens next so disappointing.
No sooner is Hezekiah back in good health, than the King of Babylon comes to visit. The news that this little kingdom of Judah has humbled the mighty Kingdom of Assyria has most definitely spread. And what happens? Hezekiah goes around showing him all the trappings, the splendors, the riches of their kingdom. He’s bragging on - himself. He got lost in the adulation of this foreign king and rather than bragging on the true source of their victory - God - Hezekiah is seduced into becoming this pompous, arrogant tour guide. Imagine, had he taken the opportunity to praise and honor God before this king? Perhaps Judah would have been true people of God shining His light to the world and leading them to know and love Him - rather than becoming subject to Babylon themselves.
It’s great and important to pray for God in our need and to wait humbly, faithfully, and trusting in His goodness. But equally important is remembering His goodness after the trial has passed - remaining humble, faithful, and trusting in Him.

Day 187 Praying for Time

DAY 187: 2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 32; Psalm 145

NO GUARANTEES
The narrative thus far has been that Israel (the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom) had the terrible kings, turning away from God, losing His favor and blessing while the much smaller Southern Kingdom of Judah (with its two tribes) enjoyed somewhat miraculous successes in staving off enemies because they had (for the most part) faithful, God-fearing leaders and the people had remained faithful.

But just because that had been their history for generations doesn’t mean that it was guaranteed to remain like that. We saw the cracks in Hezekiah in yesterday’s reading with his not only bragging to the Babylonians in his ego-driven vanity tour (not to mention kicking the can down the road when Isaiah warned him of the doom that this would lead to the kingdom) Now we see the full infestation of evil in the son of Hezekiah, Manasseh. Not only does he undo all the good that his father had done in restoring proper worship and expelling the false gods, and idolatry, but he also goes a step further in his evil actions. Practicing fortune telling, horoscopes, black magic, holding seances - which opened him up to the ultimate of horrors, child sacrifice (killing his own son).
It was probably unthinkable to Hezekiah that Judah would fall so low, through the reign of his own son. Perhaps God answering his prayers to extend his life made him presumptuous of God’s favor - figuring “there’s no way He’d allow Judah to fall”– conveniently putting the responsibility on God rather than the King - and the people (lest we forget they’re not innocent in idly letting their leader lead them astray)
This is where this gets uncomfortable. In recent years there’s been this general acceptance both in and outside of the Church that “the western world” which was founded on Judeo-Christian principles has moved into a post-Christian/Secular mindset. There are too many examples to mention, and this isn’t meant to start itemizing or listing them.
Instead, I offer this quote from Pope Benedict XVI from one of his talks given to World Youth Day for reflection.
“There are words which serve only to amuse, as fleeting as an empty breeze;
others to an extent, inform us;
those of Jesus, on the other hand, must reach our hearts, take root, and bloom there all of our lives.
If not, they remain empty and become ephemeral. They do not bring us to Him and as a result, Christ stays remote, just one voice among many others around us are so familiar.
Furthermore, the Master who speaks teaches, not something learned from others, but that which He Himself is, the only one who truly knows the path of man to God because He is the one who opened it up to us, He made it so that we might have authentic lives, lives which are always worth living, in every circumstance, and which not even death can destroy.”
The way we make sure not to allow modern-day Manasseh’s to “lead us astray” is by doing what we’re doing here - by allowing God’s word to recast our visions from what this world and its voices try to distort in their broken, limited perspective, into the one that promises fullness of life - now and for eternity.

Day 188 The Book of the Law

DAY 188: 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 33; Proverbs 7

THE LAST GOOD KING OF JUDAH
Imagine an 8-year-old becoming king? On second thought, let’s not open this door as this could go off in all sorts of diversions 
Most likely what helps Josiah to become a “good king” and doing what was right before the Lord without having even read the word of God, the law of the Lord (which seems to have been shoved on some shelf in the temple) is the fact that he had people around him who taught him what was right, what was required, what would make him an effective and righteous King. That’s how he is able to reign in such a stark contrast to his father Manasseh. Which is a good reminder to us of the importance of people we allow ourselves to be surrounded by... who it is we listen to and take their words to heart (and those we don’t). When we encounter selfish, self-centered individuals - when we are working with people who aren’t demonstrating any virtue or generosity - when we are hearing voices that are negative - we might not be able to completely separate ourselves from them (and perhaps shouldn’t) but we do need to be vigilant and cautious about how much influence we allow them to have on us.
The other thing that stands out with regards to Josiah is that when he finally does hear and learn from God’s word directly: that what he had learned was in fact true, but even more, how woefully his father and the people had failed in following it, what he does in response. He responds with genuine, sincere repentance that far surpassed the reaction of those who had known all along what was indeed right and just. If we wanted to be technical about it, what does he have to repent for? He didn’t do anything wrong. He’s not responsible for his father’s sins and the sins of his people.
But that’s what’s beautiful about this gesture. Josiah recognizes that this isn’t a legalistic accounting that he’s trying to make up for the sins in the ledger that the kingdom still needs to make restitution for. It’s almost an instinctual response, hearing the truth, recognizing how not only weren’t his father and the kingdom not doing what they were supposed to but were actively doing what had been forbidden, there’s a shock at the lows they had fallen to. He’s ashamed as the King of Judah that his people had fallen so egregiously - and his goodness can’t help but mourn and grieve over those horrific errors.

Day 189 Follow the Lord

DAY 189: 2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 34; Proverbs 8: 1-21

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
Josiah gets busy pretty quickly in Chapter 23 to clean the house. We read that he assembles everyone, he does his own “Bible in a Year” - in a day - as he reads the “book of the covenant” and immediately orders the idols not only to be taken out of the temple but destroyed; for all the “sex-and-religion” shrines that had been created in the towns to be smashed - and to try to erase every vestige of the false worship of Baal, sun and moon.
While Josiah works double-over-time to accomplish all these reforms, while we can admire his passion for the Lord which had been so sorely lacking in his father and the people prior to his ascension, its amazing to see the boldness in how God’s word had convicted the truth Josiah already knew in his heart before ever having had a chance to hear and read it for himself... what’s sad is reading a sense of doom in this chapter. After finally restoring the celebration of Passover, which had been missing for hundreds of years (which even to our modern-day ears as Christians seems unthinkable), scripture records all of this as unmoving to the Lord “still the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of his great wrath...”(v 26)
Why is that? Quite simply, because while Josiah’s heart was convicted - while he was committed to these reforms and wanted to lead his people back on the path of righteousness, the people were paying only lip service while Josiah was on the throne. In their hearts, the idol worship, and the disgusting actions of the spilling of innocent blood had not repulsed the people. Which we will see evidenced in the coming days. When Josiah’s reign ends (somewhat abruptly because of his foolishness in engaging Egypt, which demonstrates that Josiah as great a King as he is, was not a perfect man, and prone to sinfulness like the rest of humanity)- the façade of the people put on while Josiah was on the throne drops. And they revert back to their evil ways.
God is ready, able, and more than willing to be lavishly generous with His love and mercy. And is patient in his dealings with His people. The fact that nearly 4 centuries passed by without proper celebration of the Passover - one of the central most important events for the People of God recalling the wonders of His rescuing and saving His people from slavery - demonstrates He isn’t looking for the slightest infraction on humanity’s part in order to smite us.

The one thing that hurts Him the most is when the human heart has turned away from Him. Because that is in effect the “unforgivable sin” - it is a rejection of who God is - to the degree that even His wondrous acts, His amazing love aren’t welcome. It’s wrenching even to write that - but gives us the backdrop to the fall of Judah... and hopefully rekindles our urgency to pray for those who have grown lukewarm, or turned on the Lord God in our day and age. That perhaps through the prayer and care of this community, they will have a change of heart themselves.

Day 190 Judah is Overrun

DAY 190: 2 Kings 24; 2 Chronicles 35; Proverbs 8: 22-36

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN...
It’s striking to think about how unstable things became for Judah. They have had 4 kings in almost 20 years - which had most definitely not been the experience in Judah. That political upheaval is just a symptom of the bigger problem of having abandoned God. In some ways, it is worse than what we saw in the North. The Southern kingdom had the Holy City, Jerusalem. They had the Temple. They had in their recent memory had the Word of God rediscovered and proclaimed to them.
All of that seemed eclipsed from their memories as king after king after king after king is installed. It's amazing that some of the people who had fallen away in favor of pagan gods, mediums, looking at the sun and moon for indications wouldn’t read the signs of something being “off” with all of that turnover. Perhaps it was just this kind of ingrained arrogance that deluded themselves - thinking if there is a Lord God - then he can’t/wont let His holy city, His temple be defeated. Think about it, every time up till now when God was put to the test before pagan gods, He was always triumphant and often in dramatic ways. So it’s almost worse than the presumption of God’s mercy - it’s almost this lie they’ve convinced themselves of that God has no choice but to protect if not the southern Kingdom, at least the city or the temple.
Humanity still finds a way of ruining “Eden.”
How do we respond even when we see leaders leading people astray in our day and age? St. Mother Teresa had some good advice:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish,
ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful
friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway

Day 191 The Babylonian Exile

DAY 191: 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Proverbs 9: 1-6

...THOUGH I SHOULD WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH
The fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, the famine, the deaths, the destruction, the exile - truly an inglorious end to a book named “Kings” and to God’s people’s homeland, and the Holy City. It’s a sad chapter, not just in this book, but in the history and the hearts of the Jewish people.
But there are signs of hope even in the midst of this time of devastation. To the small remnant that remained in Judah, we hear an appointee from Babylon promise the people that they had nothing to fear moving forward. That if they lived peacefully in the land, they would be safe from all harm. Yes, the kingdom of Judah was gone, yet God was providing a way for these exiles to maintain a Spiritual Kingdom. It would reign in their hearts if they would rely on Him for strength and comfort in the time of need.
It’s a difficult thing to do for anyone going through a time of unbelievable trial. Human instinct is trying to make sense, trying to fix situations that might not make sense or be fixable. And in this instance, the people of God have the added layer of guilt knowing that they’ve caused this all to happen. Will they, and can we, humble ourselves in the face of a trial to look for those signs of God’s presence, His care, and lean into them. To let Him shepherd through that dark valley? To lead His people out from exile?

Day 192  The Prophet Isaiah

DAY 192: Isaiah 1-2; Tobit 1-2; Proverbs 9: 7-12

THE MISSING PERSPECTIVE
One of the challenges many have had in navigating the Books of Kings and Chronicles is a narrative basically categorizing the evil that was done - and then the results of that evil to the people - ultimately exile, loss of homeland, and the destruction of the temple. In all of that, the constant refrain has been the people’s apostasy, rebellion against God, and following false gods with momentary flashes of repentance and reform.
Just a reminder for us as Christians who tend to favor the New Testament - where Jesus, God incarnate is the central focus of the entirety of those books, chapters, and verses; the Old Testament, while it is all God’s Word and His story, often features very broken people who fail in spectacular fashion. So as we navigated those books, it was easy to feel the weight of that history.
Today, as Fr Mike had mentioned in his podcast yesterday, we now shift to hearing from a very human perspective about how God was not disinterested, and uninvolved in all of those doings. How in fact He was constantly loving on His people. Either speaking a word through the Prophets to warn them of the consequences of their sinful choices - or speaking a word of comfort and consolation after that had occurred.
We also will be jumping into Tobit which will be a welcome contrast from some of our ancestors we’ve been reading about for some time now. In Tobit, we find a family living in a pagan world - yet remaining faithful to God. This story of faithfulness will seem reminiscent of Job. He was in the Northern Kingdom at the time that the ten tribes were split from the two Southern tribes. And Tobit doesn’t follow the (what turns out to be disastrous) idea the King of Israel had brought about of worshiping golden calves rather than traveling to Jerusalem to the Temple as they had been commanded. When they are exiled and can’t do that anymore, Tobit holds to kosher regulations, and follows ordinances of care for the poor, burying the dead. In all of this, we see a shining example of someone striving to remain faithful to God’s Word against all odds. Fr. Mike mentioned once in his homilies referencing Tobit with the line that just because he couldn’t do everything that God had commanded His people to do, that didn’t mean Tobit couldn’t do some of the things that were in his power to do.
Tobit helps us to see that God’s efforts of reaching out were not in vain. Not then. And not now.

Day 193 The Book of Tobit

DAY 193: Isaiah 3-4; Tobit 3-4; Proverbs 9: 13-18

CAN'T SAY IT ENOUGH
Isaiah and Tobit seem to have a parallel message today. They are both calling the people to righteousness. Isaiah in his prophetic words to the people “tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds” (3: 10). Tobit in the instructions to His Son: “Remember the Lord our God all your days my son, and refuse to sin or to transgress his commandments” (4: 5).
Interestingly though they are coming from completely different vantage points. Isaiah as a prophet has heard this message from the Lord and been sent to the people to share it. Tobit the chapter before, after enduring so much misery in rapid-fire-succession prayed for death. As disturbing as that is, recognizing how painful and sad this man was that he assumed death was the only answer notice what he does - he prays to God and is so faithful and trusting that God will answer him (and assumes that means his end) he is basically uttering his last will and testament to his son. In what he assumes will be his last words, he calls on his son to remain faithful to the Lord.
Being faithful and obedient to the Lord is rarely easy to accomplish or proclaim. We’re encountering fewer people remotely open to hearing that message. And as we face trials, challenges, setbacks, and outright failures - it can be more than tempting to if not outright turn our backs on God, to at least temper our enthusiasm.
This is why I’ve often found Tobit a bit easier to digest compared to Job. Without the troublesome backstory of God and Satan’s discussion and debate which sets into motion the tale of misery, in Tobit, we see a righteous man whose misfortune is the result of others (which we’ve just finished, the kingdom is divided and then his being exiled coming as a result of the collective people’s unfaithfulness) or just random bad luck (bird poop blinding him). Which can be a bit more relatable to our daily lives and experiences.
For Tobit, he’s not being pollyannaish about anything. His prayer is from the deepest recesses of his gut. Which is beautiful. In the midst of this storm, he knows God hears him and listens to him and he entrusts his cries to him.

Day 194 Holy is the Lord

DAY 194: Isaiah 5-6; Tobit 5-6 ; Proverbs 10: 1-4

TOBIT - AND US
As we move deeper into the book of Tobit, we can probably sense some more parallels and relate-ability that are important to appreciate. We’ve already learned that Tobit is not living among God-fearing, God-loving people. Many of the People of God had become either lukewarm or apostates at this point and Tobit is living in exile as a result of that faithless generation’s actions which destroyed the promised land.
Despite all of that, Tobit has remained fiercely faithful. That doesn’t mean things have gotten easier for him - not by a long shot. But we know God is a God who sees, who notices, who is moved by the faith of even just one of his beloved created men and women. Tobit’s unrelenting to the “peer pressure” around him to reject God’s commandments, his continuing to practice works of mercy God has put on his heart selfless service to others in burying the dead, and caring for the poor.
This comes to the second point for all of us. God sees and notices you - and is moved by your faith and your pursuit of Him in all the ways that you do that, as well as in this bible study. As we live in very divisive, polarizing times - where corruption and infiltration of institutions that in the not-so-distant past we readily trusted have become more and more obvious - when even those in leadership in the Church seem to be sending confusing and sometimes contradictory messages, that we’re here today and continuing our pursuit of the Lord and His unfailing Word, we know that He will not be outdone in generosity.

That’s what Tobit is testifying to us today. Whether He will send an “angel” in disguise to accompany us in our trying to navigate the various challenges in this broken world - or we have a deeper appreciation of how He’s already been doing that for quite some time - the “blindness” of our eyes (not coming from bird poop, but various other spiritual attacks) are being healed.

Day 195 Tobias and Sarah Pray

DAY 195: Isaiah 7-8; Tobit 7-9; Proverbs 10: 5-8

A WEDDING, NO FUNERAL
For many Jews reading this somewhat unique wedding story, they might focus on divine protection for righteous, faithful people whose prayers are answered. They could highlight how the couple put themselves, and their marriage in God’s hands.
But as Catholics, we see something a bit deeper. In television and movies sometimes you will see the creator adding an inside joke or a clue pointing to something else inconspicuously in their shows wondering if their fans will pick up on the reference. Those are referred to as an “Easter Egg.” This bizarre wedding story has one of the greatest of “Easter Eggs” from THE Creator of well everything.
We hear of this bride who has been unlucky (well, that’s an understatement 7 husbands dying on their wedding night is more than unlucky, in fact, we know it’s the work of the devil) that on wedding night #8, the father of the bride is outside digging a grave already figuring he might as well be prepared. But if we think about the entirety of the book of Tobit that we’ve read so far, let’s remember some details:
Tobit has sent his son Tobias on this mission....
He has called him to marry one of his own...
He has sent him with the archangel Raphael.
Or to put it a bit more plainly: A loving father sends his only beloved son, accompanied by a “holy spirit” to rescue a captive bride whose being tortured by this evil spirit bringing hopelessness and death.
We see in this narrative coming hundreds of years before Christ a prophetic metaphor of Jesus rescuing His “bride” - the Church. Just as Tobias defeats the demon, saves the bride, and then takes her back to his Father’s house - that in a nutshell is the entire understanding of “the Incarnation” - the purpose of Jesus becoming man and what His mission is all about.
That is the fulfillment of our faith, hope, and love: In the end - there will be just a wedding feast - no more funerals.

Day 196 Destruction of Israel

DAY 196: Isaiah 9-10; Tobit 10-12; Proverbs 10: 9-12

USELESS WORRYING
Not too long ago I saw a sign that said “Mothers don’t sleep. They just worry with their eyes closed.” With apologies to my Mom, personal experience validates that there tends to be an element of truth to that Etsy sign. Which came to mind as we picked up in Tobit after Tobias and Sarah’s wedding.

Recognizing that there’s been an inexplicable reason for his son’s delay, Tobit starts going through a list of plausible reasons - while his wife, and more importantly, Tobias’ mother Anna immediately imagines another possible reason - he’s been killed. It seems even saying the words unleash grief and mourning for the poor mother.
But curiously, as we get to Chapter 11, what do we find? “Anna sat looking intently down the road for her son.” Even while she was in deep distress, she had not given up hope. The days of mourning and grief turn into the happiest of homecomings. Not only has Tobias returned, but he also brings home his wife, and is able to share the miraculous remedy to his father’s blindness.
In fairness to Mom - and Mother’s in general, worrying isn’t limited to just these beautiful women in this most sacred vocation. Speaking for myself, there’s been more times and experiences where “worry” has robbed my peace and caused undue stress and anxiety. Particularly as I overthink that worry.
In one of the episodes from the Television Series based on the life of Christ, The Chosen, the writers had a storyline where the disciples are anxious about one of their own having gone missing. At the height of the drama, in the midst of a discussion about this, they had another Mom (in this case, the Blessed Virgin Mary) offering wise counsel saying “You can’t fix anything by worrying about it.”
What faith is meant to do for us is to recognize God’s presence no matter what the situation, or the outcome. So whether one receives miraculous healing (or through the miracle of God’s given science); or doesn’t and that results in continued suffering, or even in the death of someone we love - Faith teaches us God is in the midst of all of that. Whether He brings about that healing or is able to use that suffering to transforms us and those around us; or ultimately, bringing us to Himself. He is with us - all that worry does is cause us to doubt and forget what scriptures continue to remind us over and over again: God loves us.
May that reminded cause us to join in Tobit’s praise this day:
Blessed be God,
and blessed be His great name,
and blessed be all His holy angels.
May His Holy Name be blessed throughout all the ages!” (Tobit 11: 14)


Day 197 Woe And Consolation

DAY 197: Isaiah 11-13; Tobit 13-14; Proverbs 10: 13-16

ANSWERED PRAYERS
Remember early in the book of Tobit, when all went badly for him. What was his prayer? He prayed for death. His faithfulness to God and His commandments had made him an enemy in the world to the point that he and his family were exiled. They couldn’t even continue the essential duty of going to Jerusalem to the temple.

Yet Tobit continued to remain faithful and after an unfortunate bird-poop incident left him blind. Things were going bad to worse, it felt like evil was on the march, Tobit didn’t want to give in to the peer pressure and simply abandon God and His commands.

Scripture doesn’t indicate that he was even tempted to consider that. Probably because Tobit knew how evil the hearts of the people had become which had resulted in a cycle of violence and further apostasy, and being a faithful Jew, he knew that things were going to get immensely worse before they would ever get better - most likely not in his lifetime. So it wasn’t a suicidal prayer. It was more a cry - a plea - that the God who remained faithful would hear the prayers of his faithful one - and spare him from any further sorrow or sadness.
It’s good to remember that as we read and hear these closing chapters of this book of Tobit. Because God said “No” to that prayer. And 50 some odd years later, while the world was still a mess - and is going to get worse - Tobit has experienced some miraculous wonders that he never anticipated or expected. Which causes him to spend these closing chapters exalting God - blessing His Holy Name - testifying to His faithfulness to those who remain faithful - is able to work wonders and shower down blessings unimaginable - even in the land of captivity (13: 6)
No doubt, Tobit can look in hindsight and “Thank God” for his “No” to that prayer 50 years earlier. Which is a great reflection as we end this time with him. What are the “No’s” we’re thankful for in hindsight - and can we let that lead us to greater faith and trust now in Him with whatever intentions our in our heart?

Day 198 The Day of the Lord

DAY 198: Isaiah 14-15; Joel 1-2; Proverbs 10: 17-20

DAY OF THE LORD
Today, we begin a very short read - the Book of the prophet Joel. For Catholic ears, we might remember hearing the words in the second chapter that greet us every year on Ash Wednesday with the pronouncement to “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” and the beautiful call to “tear your hearts and not your garments.” (2:11) Which seems perfectly suited for the start of the season of Lent. But in terms of the Bible, this short book is somewhat mysterious.
First of all, scholars can’t quite pinpoint the time it was written. Some have it as long as 900 BC and others 500. For us, all of that probably seems ancient history, but in biblical scholarship, that’s a pretty wide window. The reason it’s hard to figure out is that Joel doesn’t really give a lot of specifics that tie a certain King’s reign or events that would give a narrower time frame.
Even more urgently there’s this prediction of the “Day of the Lord” coming - a day of judgment that seems devastating to the lands of Judah. In this, it sounds more apocalyptic than some of the other prophets we’ve encountered so far. We hear of darkness covering Jerusalem with earth quakes and the darkening of the sun. We can see this prophesying about the Babylonian exile... we can see it also as Jesus’ crucifixion which the Gospels recount Good Friday with similar imagery. But equally is the promise of “restoration” that will come.

The Church has seen the Day of the Lord as the end of these earthly kingdoms and the ushering in of the Kingdom of God. St. Peter will cite Joel in the Acts of the Apostles as being fulfilled with Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The “restoration of Israel” and the “12 tribes” mean the 12 apostles beginning their missionary activity to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world.
All of that is good background information about this “minor Prophet.” But as the Word of God is shared with us today, Joel’s voice calls out to us and our world. As chapter 2 is proclaimed, the prophet notes that sin (which has since Eden constantly caused havoc) has left the world longing for God. But similarly, when one turns away from sin and turns back to the Lord, that equally has an effect on the whole of creation.
As we await the day of the Lord, may we anticipate that by revisiting that constant need to “return... tear our hearts” away from the things of this world and more completely on Him.

Day 199 Times for War

DAY 199: Isaiah 16-17; Joel 3; Proverbs 10: 21-24

JUDGMENT
It’s amazing how popular “court” television shows remain. Growing up I remember “The People’s Court” with Judge Wapner with his bailiff Rusty being on every afternoon. Decades later there’s a new judge on that program, but it kind of pales in comparison with shows even more popular like Judge Judy, who’s had her program for something like 25 years.

People are drawn to see “judgment” where a victim has their wrongs somehow addressed. For there to be restitution or punishment. Yet despite Judge Judy’s over-the-top antics where she seems to take each offense as something that was personally done to her - in none of those cases, that is the reality. You don’t have a judge who is in authority over a case who is personally involved in any way. Legally, our system wouldn’t allow that noting it’s a “conflict of interest.”
That comes to mind reading the Prophet Joel today. Because as we read of the “Judgment of Nations” we have to recognize how God is personally involved.
He is the ultimate authority.
He is the one who has been wronged with every insult, injury, and wrong that one person does to another.
There is no “private” sin or personal sin.

We can forget that with our perceptions of courts and judges. There are no arguments that will be able to manipulate this judge. There’s no clever “if the gloves don’t fit you must acquit” defense. God who sees and knows all, knows the truth - and sees the heart. That can be terrifying or comforting - which all depends upon whether we will heed the prophets' warnings and “rend our hearts” and will determine whether the “Day of the Lord” is an experience of final punishment or Divine Mercy.

Day 200 Egypt, Assyria, and Israel

DAY 200: Isaiah 18-19; Nahum 1-2; Proverbs10: 25-28

REAR-VIEW MIRROR
Today we begin with another minor prophet, whose name Nahum means “comfort.” As we’ve seen, if you’re going to be hearing from a prophet, you’d most certainly want one speaking words of comfort. So in this short book, we’ll hear Nahum speaking less about the deserved chastisements Israel was suffering for their sinfulness and more about God’s affirmation and guidance throughout their history.
As Father Mike has pointed out, the prophets often are speaking words of immediate importance, and then it has a dual purpose that transcends those historic contexts to speak deeper truths. Nahum is interesting in that he’s taking a different approach. Rather than warning people about what they were doing wrong, and predictions of punishment - Nahum uses the fall of one of Israel’s enemies, Nineveh, collapsing as a sign of God’s reward. He’s saying “we’re on the right path! God is blessing our good efforts - see our enemies are being vanquished.”
It’s a challenging read because if we’re not careful, then any bad thing happening to “our enemies” could be interpreted as God acting on our behalf. So the boss you hate who treats you and your coworkers terribly getting a divorce - people could mistakenly read that in a Nahum-like fashion as how God is getting even for us, and even celebrating this misfortune. That would be the wrong lesson to learn from this prophet.
Rather the focus should be on that verse we learn early on: “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:3) Israel/Judah has experienced that in their own lives. As they see this mighty enemy fall whose evil had intensified since the last time we heard about them (remember the prophet Jonah!) They recognize that there is a time when God’s patience runs out and justice is necessary. Nahum hopes that his fellow Jews will remember that and not turn away from the Lord ever again.

Day 201 Keys to the Kingdom

DAY 201: Isaiah 21-22; Nahum 3; Proverbs 10: 29-32

NAHUM REVISITED
Reading the comments and some private messages about yesterday’s start to Nahum made me think that maybe I didn’t make things as clear as possible for everyone. For such a small book, it’s interesting how it definitely made a bigger ripple than I initially thought it would. So let me see if giving it a second shot helps explain things a bit better:
Assyria (with its capital Nineveh) was an empire that basically had the world terrorized. Think of it like China and ISIS combined... they were doing terrible things to their own people, they seemed unstoppable and dominating everywhere you looked. People, including God’s people, were in a sense immobilized in fear by this looming threat and could not imagine a world where this scourge would be no more. Nahum’s job was to point out to them with this “too big to fail” empire’s collapse, how God had done what seemed impossible.
One commentator (Eugene Patterson) was able to summarize things a bit more succinctly. He explained that it’s easy to read Nahum as this “Nineveh-hater” - but you can’t miss that he points out Israel’s sins and denounces them just as equally as those of Nineveh. “The effect of Nahum is not to foment religious hate against the enemy but to say, ‘don’t admire or be intimidated by this enemy. They are going to be judged by the very same standards that apply to us.”

Day 202 God's Judgement

DAY 202: Isaiah 23-24; Habakkuk 1-2; Proverbs 11: 1-4

FOR THOSE PUZZLED BY GOD
Have you ever wondered why things don’t go well when you’re being faithful to God? That you’re not somewhat or somehow protected from evildoers doing evil things? Most likely, we can all recognize times and seasons in our lives where that’s been the case (or perhaps is the case right now). To that, today we’re introduced to a prophet who might become a favorite for those who are plagued by those types of thoughts or questions.
Habakkuk is one of the most unique prophetic books in that we’re used to having prophets speaking God’s words to the people. What we see right from the outset, Habakkuk seems to be doing the reverse: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence” and you will not save? (1: 2) Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God? (1:12)
As the Great Adventure Bible commentary puts it: “Habakkuk...asks God to explain his thought: why does he punish his erring people by a nation more wicked than itself? Why does wickedness seem to triumph?”
But as he asks the question on everyone’s minds and hearts, what’s essential is that he waits and listens to God’s responses. So as you listen or read this book, you almost have to identify the back and forth. In chapter 1 you have
Habakkuk complaining from v 1-4; and then
God responding v5-11;
Habakkuk responding v12 - 2: 1; then
God’s response back the rest of Chapter 2.
Habakkuk is a welcome prophetic friend in speaking for us. May he be one we find worthy of imitating in waiting and listening to God’s responses.

Day 203 Rejoice in the Lord

DAY 203: Isaiah 25-27; Habakkuk 3; Proverbs 11: 5-8

BAD THINGS HAPPEN
MISERY IS A CHOICE
A few years ago I stumbled upon that “truism.” That bad breaks, painful experiences, and hurtful situations are sadly a part of life – dwelling on them, constantly reliving them, being miserable – that’s a choice. It’s one of those sayings that I try to keep nearby because no matter how many times we recognize the validity of the statement, it’s something we encounter over and over again and are confronted with that “choice.”
That came to mind as we close out this two-day encounter with the Prophet Habakkuk. As we heard yesterday, quite astonishingly to the remnant of Jews in Judah (and the prophet himself) God was allowing the Babylonians to finish decimating what was left of their kingdom. After the protests that this wasn’t right, this wasn’t fair - God basically pointed out that He was respecting the people’s wants and decisions. It was they who had turned away from Him. The spiritual and moral decay was what caused God to remove his final hedge of protection. That is what is right and fair and in fact just.
As Habakkuk reflects on that and sees what’s about to befall, he itemizes a list that sounds like a bad country song
I hear and my body trembles
my lips quiver at the sound
rottenness enters into my bones
you can just hear the guitar riffs in the background, can’t you? But then at the end of this lengthy list of woes, there’s a key change: Yet - I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation...
Habakkuk reminds us that when bad things befall us - whether through our own fault, the faults of another, or even in those instances where we really have no idea why it’s happening - we face an important choice: To sink further into despair or choose to lean into faith and say “Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord...”

Day 204 Zephaniah's Warnings

DAY 204: Isaiah 28-29; Zephaniah 1-2; Proverbs 11: 9-12

COVER
When a musician sings a song that was made famous previously it’s often called a “cover.” The voice will be different, there might be a different instrumental background or orchestration - perhaps the speed is slowed down or increased... but the basic melody, and the lyrics will all be the same.
We almost have to look at the prophets as “covering” a similar song. There are going to obviously be repetitions that we encounter. Zephaniah is speaking to the people of Judah around 640 - 610 BC. We hear him referencing the “Day of the Lord” which is a judgment on the people’s sinfulness - which will then be followed by a restoration. He is speaking to the Southern Kingdom of Judah (the two tribes) which had been the more faithful of the divided kingdoms. But now, after the reign of King Manasseh, there was godlessness, and sinfulness at the core of the Kingdom. The people had turned their backs on God in their worship and in their daily personal lives. Zephaniah's name itself means “the Lord hides.” Coming from a line of prophets, there was obvious intentionality in him being named that. Could it be that the righteous would be spared from the coming destruction or is it a faith-filled hope of his parents that as the world around them at the time was filled with darkness or sin that their son would be hidden from that?
While Zephaniah sings a sadly familiar song, he sings it with a unique intensity and hope. If we open ourselves to hearing this “prophetic cover”, we will encounter a God who does not want to hide from us at all, but rather desperately longs to meet us.

Day 205 Promise to Zion

DAY 205: Isaiah 30-31; Zephaniah 3; Proverbs 11: 13-16

AFTER THE STORM
One of the beautiful things that we’ve seen and unpacked together now for over 200 days (!!! Praise God for that everyone!!!) - is a better appreciation for the fullness of scripture. A case in point is today’s reading from Zephaniah. If you were to do a google search or look on Etsy for something based on this book from scripture, most likely you’d find something citing Zephaniah 3: 17:
The Lord, your God is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will renew you in His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
It’s understandable that this is so popular - it is one of those precious and exquisitely beautiful verses that is incredibly comforting and assuring to great numbers of people. The verse itself as scripture can be used to speak God’s word to people going through a trial. That’s why we talk about scripture as being “the Word of God being alive and active” (Hebrews 4: 12). So it’s great that people can share that quote in itself with people and that it would speak to them on a personal level of comfort.
But for us who’ve been studying, praying, and reflecting on all of this, we know the whole context of this passage. This comes after some really hard and difficult words that the prophet was speaking to the people. Calling for conversion of heart, calling for radical changes in their lives of worship and daily lives... pointing out the path of destruction they were on.
More than trying to end on a positive note, Zephaniah reveals that even when the Lord is angry at humanity - even at us - that doesn’t mean he ever ceases to love us. We need to remember that. Too often we think in very human terms and can imagine that if God is angry, He doesn’t want to see me - that I can’t go to Him. That’s a lie from the evil one. That’s something we learned back in January when we were dealing with Genesis and Adam and Eve. It was bad that they had eaten the fruit, it was worse that they tried to hide from God and didn’t take any responsibility for it. Because all of those things combined equaled a fundamental lack of trust in God and His goodness and His love for humanity.
If God were that easily worn out, He would have ceased to send prophets. He would have stopped offering second, third, 70 times 7 chances. Yes, there’s truth, and judgment... but there’s mercy. Lean into that. Especially if it’s been a while since you’ve made it to confession. Jesus is anxious for you to experience His loving embrace and free you of your sins. If you’re anxious, just pray with those words again imagining that the Lord is speaking them to you - “I’m in YOUR midst... a warrior who gives YOU victory....I will rejoice over YOU with Gladness. I will renew YOU in My Love.”

Day 206 The Book of Baruch

DAY 206: Isaiah 32-33; Baruch 1-2; Proverbs 11: 17-20

THE PEOPLE RESPOND
The Book of Baruch is unique in that we have an assortment of prayers, poems, and letters - that had multiple authors pieced together in a single book. So it’s possible that Baruch was an honorary author attributed to this work since he was an assistant and close confidant of the prophet Jeremiah. The “editor(s)” who complied this book recognized the value of these fragments and decided to include them in a single book, realizing that if not, they might be lost forever.
Which is a true gift that helps add more colors and insights from this period of time of exile. After we’ve heard so much of the failings of the people, in Baruch (particularly as we start today) we will hear from the community - with prayers of penance, searching for God’s wisdom... laments about how they have fallen so far. Having heard solely from the prophets for a while, this is a welcome reminder that some people experienced feelings of remorse.
Baruch speaks not just of those failings though but composes prayers that address their situation which is incredibly frank and honest - which is something we’ve probably not really encountered in the Old Testament so far. It’s a heartfelt confession, which the Lord had been desiring over and over through the prophets which we begin to finally see and hear “from Baruch.”
Day 207 The Lord Will Come
DAY 207: Isaiah 34-35; Baruch 3-4; Proverbs 11: 21-24
HANG IN THERE
Hopefully, on this second day traveling with Baruch, you’re like me, finding yourself grateful that these “left-overs” of poems, letters, and words were compiled into a single book and not discarded.
In these two chapters today, the tone shifts from yesterday’s basically recounting why the people were suffering to these chapters that are a mix of wisdom and prophecy. You can hear and see Messianic expectations which is one of the reasons Christians (up until 500 years ago) universally revered this as a part of Sacred Scripture. At the same time, you can imagine that for people suffering in exile, filled with guilt and shame at their predicament how consoling some of these verses must have been:
Take courage and cry to God, for you will be remembered by Him who brought this upon you...
Take courage O Jerusalem, for He who named you will comfort you. (Baruch 4: 27, 30)
There’s a beauty and an intimacy about these words which for people feeling isolated and distant from God had to have been most welcome. There’s a recollection of who God is and a recognition that when the people take these words to heart and return with their hearts, this impossibly dire situation will be redeemed - they will experience salvation.
Bookmark these chapters the next time you’re weighed down by sin and guilt and the devil tries to manipulate those things to make you feel defeatist. As Pope Francis so beautifully said, “God never tires of forgiving, it’s we who tire of asking for forgiveness.

Day 208 The Futility of Idols

DAY 208: Isaiah 36-37; Baruch 5-6; Proverbs 11: 25-28

LETTER OF JEREMIAH
For those who are following along with different bible translations, it’s possible that you don’t have Chapter 6 of Baruch (well you might not have Baruch at all!) But in some cases, Chapter 6 is its own separate “book” and it’s listed as “The Letter of Jeremiah” (Kind of like the New Testament letters from the Saints that are included as separate “books”) Which goes back to what I explained on Day 206 about this being a bit of Baruch being a collection of “leftovers.”
In any event, it does read as something that kind of stands alone in its own right. By now we’re well aware of how idols are evil, they are considered as hurtful to humanity’s relationship with God as adultery is to a husband and a wife. So when we hear that the subject of Jeremiah’s writing is the topic of idolatry it might generate a “been there done that” kind of reaction.
But Jeremiah approaches this in almost a pastoral approach rather than a straight-out condemnation type of response we’re kind of used to from the prophets. He systematically takes idols apart using logic - showing the fact that these idols are creations themselves proves they hold no power or authority. There’s no reason to worship these things - nor to fear them.
We might kind of shake our heads thinking “yeah, we know all this” but think about how so many minor superstitions seep into our daily lives and actions: People who don’t step on cracks, walk under ladders, freak out at breaking a mirror. Silly kind of examples to be sure, but every time we give voice to that, we’re contributing to these idolatrous behaviors and attitudes - often without even thinking about it. Those examples came to mind in verse 17 when Jeremiah talks about a broken dish. Who knew that these types of superstitions have been going on for thousands of years... or that they could be considered idols... or evil themselves.
But now we can’t say we didn’t know 

Day 209 God Comforts His People

DAY 209: Isaiah 38-38; Ezekiel 1 Proverbs 11: 29-31

THE FINE PRINT
Today we begin our time with the Prophet Ezekiel, one of the Major Prophets from the Old Testament. Ezekiel started writing around 600 BC. from the place of exile in Babylon. So the kingdom has “fallen” - but things are going to go from bad to worse.
The most sacred place on earth for the Jewish people was the Temple. Granted, they hadn’t been treating it with the awe and reverence they were supposed to have for the place in which God had promised to Solomon, that His presence would remain there forever. The people heard that headline but forgot the fine print. Well, actually it wasn’t fine print. It was bold and italicized and underlined, but they treated it like fine print:
That they remain faithful.
Unfortunately, they not only gave into deep sin, and false worship, and brought idols into this most sacred of places. Even in the midst of their exile, they had not humbled themselves and turned back. Was it that they didn’t believe God would ever leave the temple? Or did they not care?
One thing is for sure, God still cares. This is why He comes to Ezekiel and calls him into service. While the warnings through Ezekiel will go unheeded prior to the fall of the temple, his ministry will continue after that. In that, we hear the first notes of God’s great victory of “resurrection” and restoration which will start with a New Temple, and find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ Resurrection. But now I’m getting ahead of myself and we have a ways to go!
In the introductory chapter that we hear from today, we learn of Ezekiel’s call. A spectacular vision from the Lord. As we can imagine, this vision changes the entire trajectory of his life. Not unlike what the Lord is doing for us as we continue our biblical pilgrimage.

Day 210 Speaking God's Word

DAY 210: Isaiah 41-42 ; Ezekiel 2-3; Proverbs 12: 1-4

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
The other day I was catching up with a childhood friend who now has kids in college. As he was giving the updates, we got to the one son who has given my friend and his wife a run for their money (literally and figuratively) for their entire life. From smashing the neighbor's inexplicably expensive glass window as a 7-year-old practicing baseball (it was remarkable for demonstrating his strength as well as his ability to find the one place in the neighborhood that would be most costly to land) to a litany of costly mistakes (some accidental, others, not) through his 4, now turning into 5 years in college - he’s been, well, let’s say challenging to my friends. More so than their other kids. (I think the exact tally was something like “he’s cost triple what the others have combined).
But what I’ve always appreciated is that he might share some frustration or disappointment about the son's state of affairs - he always adds “what can I do he’s my son... he can look at me and I can’t stay angry at him, as much as I try.”
When we think back to Moses returning from Mt Sinai with the Ten Commandments only to find the people had gotten impatient waiting for his return and creating their own gods. In the chaos and sadness of the episode, God calls the people “stiff-necked.”
Fast forward some centuries to this chapter of Ezekiel. Ezekiel has just received his prophetic call and mandate. And in today’s reading from Chapter 2, we hear God referring to the people “imprudent and stubborn... rebellious” (v.4- 5)
While those aren’t the descriptors one would want to imagine a parent has for their children, my friend’s experience makes me think that there is something very Fatherly about it all. He sees and knows chapter and verse from all these different missteps, to outright turning their backs on Him and the pain the people have caused Him. Yet His love for His children, He can’t stay angry at them... Whether it was giving Moses another set of the commandments, or in Ezekiel’s case, seeing his people in exile and coming to Ezekiel and giving him a word of prophecy (that he knows they will reject) - He still sends these messengers to reach his children’s hearts, who are still crazy after all these years.

Day 211 Called By Name

DAY 211: Isaiah 43-44; Ezekiel 4-5; Proverbs 12: 5- 8

GOT YOUR ATTENTION?
So Fr. Mike explained yesterday in his podcast that things are going to get interesting...very interesting in Ezekiel. This prophet is going to proclaim God’s word to them, not in words but as a mime for 430 days. He’s to draw a picture of Jerusalem and for 390 days lie next to it on his left side and then the last 40 days on the right (next Lent when we think those 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are tough, we might want to open up to this chapter again!) An iron plate was to be placed between the drawing and Ezekiel’s face. Each day was representative of a year of judgment on God’s people. The skillet symbolized the separation that existed between God and His people because they had turned away from Him by their sinfulness. (The 390 days on the left was to represent the guilt of the “Northern Kingdom” of Israel and the 40 days on the right represent the guilt of the “Southern Kingdom of Judah)
You would think that people living in exile, might have surmised by now that God was serious about sins, especially those which broke the covenant... But it seems that even with repeated prophetic warnings and the reality of their daily lives and existence, that hasn’t been the case. Even more, you have to wonder what this experience had to have been for the prophet. Most prophets are charged with difficult words to proclaim to the people and have an immediate reaction. Maybe they repent... Maybe they ignore... Maybe they rebel even further. But we don’t really get a sense of how they took this public display for a year and a couple of months. Nor how Ezekiel felt doing this day in and day out. But for sure, the Lord’s words to Ezekiel would ring true: “whether they hear or refuse to hear... they will know that there has been a prophet among them” (2: 5)
May we be attentive to the prophetic voices in our day and age that call us out of our comfort and be counter-cultural in recognizing how are we responding to God’s Law in an increasingly secular world.

Day 212 God's Instrument

DAY 212: Isaiah 45-46; Ezekiel 6-7; Proverbs 12: 9-12

GOD’S HEART
Too often when we hear the scriptures proclaimed to us, the precise thing God doesn’t want to happen is what happens. That we distance ourselves. Treat these words as inspirational things or stories from the past to learn from. It’s the constant temptation that humanity succumbs to over and over from Genesis all the way to the present day. It’s why we’ve seen how people have responded to the prophets. Treating them like the killjoy to the wild and reckless heart's wanderings.
But reading chapters 6 & 7, we have the image of a prophet being like a good friend, an accountability partner emerging. Someone who loves you enough to tell you when you’ve become a screw-up, are surrounded by people who are happy to go along with that (because they are screw-ups themselves) and can sit you down and try to talk sense to you to say you’re going to lose your job, your spouse, your life because of your recklessness.
In chapter 6, God reveals what the sins of His people have done to Him: I have been broken by their wanton heart which has departed from me (v 9) Because God is all knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful - we kind of imagine he’s immune to those types of deep emotions. But in order for Him to be all-loving, that means He opens Himself and allows Himself to be vulnerable - to be hurt by us (and if we forget that, that’s why we have a crucifix in our churches). Too often the prophet's words can sound like doom and gloom to us (which, to be fair, they oftentimes are!) But our friend Ezekiel kind of sobers us up as to why: God has remained faithful, and extravagantly generous in offering His precious heart to us. May we desire never to break it in being wanton, departing ourselves from Him

Day 213 The Redeemer

DAY 213: Isaiah 47-48; Ezekiel 8-9; Proverbs 12: 13-16

IDOLS AND WRATH
For most of our time through the Old Testament, when we’ve discussed and encountered the idea of “idols” we often heard them as an item, a thing that was tied to a false, pagan god... or something that was made into a god itself (like the golden calf back in Exodus). Ezekiel 8 and 9 are tough chapters to be sure as we hear of God’s punishment on seemingly everything but a small remnant.
What’s interesting though is that in Chapter 8 we hear of “idols” not simply of stone, items clearly labeled such or dedicated to a pagan that by its nature we would steer clear of (doubt anyone here would be checking out anything associated with “baal”) Ezekiel has a vision where he sees 4 idols that God’s chosen people have fallen for though that resonate in our day and age: Jealousy, Self-indulgence, Self-sufficiency, and False Spirituality.
God shows Ezekiel that the people have fallen for Jealousy in 8:5. In chapter 8: 7-13 - as we hear of these images that are adorning the walls of the homes of Israel with people “incensing” them - meaning they were worshiping things that gave the people pleasure - taking something that was not necessarily bad or evil but creating an idol of “self-indulgence.” Self-sufficiency (might sound strange to find for people in exile!) But we find that in chapter 8: 14-15 as “women weeping for Tammuz” Tammuz was a Babylonian god that promised fertility. The people of God knew what they needed to do and where to go: rather than recognizing their sin which had brought them to exile, they doubled down in rejecting God and mourning a false god for not taking care of them at that moment. And finally, False spirituality is the final idol in 8:16. These individuals are clearly worshiping the sun. They are worshiping part of creation rather than the creator who made the sun, the moon, the stars, and everything else in this vast universe including those worshiping the sun and us.
The difference is that God’s chosen people had convinced themselves that being in exile, they were so far removed from the Lord that it didn’t matter what they did or didn’t do. So it wasn’t just the sins in themselves but that hardness of heart that emboldened them to become comfortable and embrace Jealousy, Self-indulgence, Self-sufficiency, and false spirituality.
It’s good to remember that in Jesus Christ, God has come to seek the lost. In His new covenant, we have received forgiveness for our sins. That doesn’t make these (or any other) sins any less “sinful” than they were in Ezekiel’s time. But hopefully, we’re more mindful of the need for constant conversion, to heed the calls of repentance, and to trust in God’s and His great mercy alone.

Day 214 Hidden Glory of God

DAY 214: Isaiah 49-50; Ezekiel 10-11; Proverbs 12: 17-20

GOD HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
Of all the disturbing things that we’ve encountered in our travels so far in our Bible in a Year Pilgrimage - and there’s been a lot of them - this passage from Ezekiel strikes me as some of the hardest to encounter. Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 11 vs. 18- 20 where we read this vision of God’s leaving the temple.
What had been the holiest place on earth, that the 12 tribes at one time had made a pilgrimage to every year had become empty. Simply because the people had abandoned the Lord. He had made himself that available to them, accessible and close to them that had distinguished them as “a Chosen People.” Yet whether it was their lukewarmness and indifference, or their wanting to fit in with everyone else, abandoning the Lord God of all creation for the idols and false gods of other nations - this attitude and reaction had defiled this holy place. So we read God leaving the temple.
It’s devastating to read that. And that is a good thing. The fact that we recognize the emptiness and the tragic consequences of this demonstrates our reverence, our reliance, and our love for God. The “good news” is that God will abandon this building, but not His people. He will search out the faithful remnant and find new ways to dwell among them.
Another holy man, St. John, some centuries later, from a vision will hear the Lord say “Behold I make all things new” (the Book of Revelation 21: 5). As Catholic Christians, we not only encounter God’s presence in every tabernacle that reserves Jesus’ body and blood in the Eucharist - we are invited, strike that, we are commanded to take and eat it... God will make His home not just in physical spaces but within the “temples” that we were dedicated as in our Baptisms.
Jesus tells us not just to recognize the importance of these “places” - but then to have an even more radical vision and to see His presence in the poor, the sick, the homeless, the imprisoned... to look for the vulnerable, to care for them - and there we encounter God.
God has left the building... but hasn’t left humanity. Which we give thanks for... while recognizing how the stakes have vastly increased as so much has been entrusted to us.

Day 215 False Prophets

DAY 215: Isaiah 51-52; Ezekiel 12-13; Proverbs 12: 21-24

TOO BAD TO BE TRUE
During the summer months with our students not on campus, I’m usually able to get a chance to do more reading than during the semester. One that I’m reading is offering some constructive criticism of the Catholic Church that’s giving a lot of food for thought.
Navigating these 215 days with all of you, I’m mindful of how some of these books, passages, and verses have come across as surprising, and shocking at times. And part of the reason? Is because so many of us have failed to accurately teach and preach the truth of scripture. The author of this book I'm reading makes this point as he shares that far too many edit the Word of God on the basis of “psychological difficulty” of the congregations, the people, especially as it conflicts with current modern mentality or cultural presuppositions. He argues that leads many to treat scriptures as: food for thought; meditation material; an opinion among many; outdated myths; can’t take it literally; needs to be adjusted to fit the times, boring, not applicable in light of modern knowledge...
That chapter came to mind as we hear Ezekiel’s prophecy today. Chapter 12 has the word of the Lord saying to him: you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear but hear not.
God was speaking over and over and over to His people who were ignoring and ignoring and ignoring Him. Their kingdom had already been attacked... thousands had already been exiled and enslaved (once again). In spite of that, Jerusalem had remained somewhat unharmed. The people simply believed that everything would work out, that Jerusalem would never fall and that they would be returning at some point soon. Despite the fact that Ezekiel (along with Jeremiah) had been warning and warning and warning them that they had not repented, had not turned back to the Lord, and instead were growing more and more hardened, obstinate - choosing to believe false prophets telling them what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.
The Good News? - Praise God you’re here. You’re opening yourself to some of these challenging chapters and encountering scripture in a way that few in our day and age have. Too many will dismiss this as “fire and brimstone” as they argue away from different vantage points the difficult passages and try to skip ahead to the more pleasant verses. But when we do that, we undermine the beauty of the message of scripture. How can words like God desperately wanting to save His people resonate if we have this false sense of security that we don’t have anything to be saved from?
God’s greatest risk was and is free will. He has equipped humanity with brains, with opportunities to encounter Him, and invites us to choose - either Him or something else. As a loving Father, He urgently wants us to believe, repent, and to be saved.
May you and I who are continuing this pilgrimage continue to keep our eyes and ears open.

Day 216 The Suffering Servant

DAY 216: Isaiah 53-54; Ezekiel 14-15; Proverbs 12: 25-28

BARRENNESS AND FRUITFULNESS
A commentator made this observation - God was willing to spare Sodom if they found 10 righteous people there, but when a group of elders approaches the prophet Ezekiel in chapter 14 asking if the same would be true here, 4 times God says “no” - with the remarkable line “even if these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in it.” What made this so much worse?
I think the root of the problem with these elders is the phoniness of their hearts. They weren’t there with remorse or shame or guilt. They weren’t looking to repent and beg God for mercy. How many times have we encountered people repenting which while still may have resulted in punishment, God was merciful? These three seem content with the idols in their hearts. They just didn’t like this “bad news” from Ezekiel. It was kind of like he was a “wet blanket.” Which is funny in itself. Lest we forget they were living in exile!
But the idols in their hearts and the phoniness on their lips reveal how God’s beloved vine had become completely barren. There were no signs of life. Imagery aside, they had gotten so comfortable with the sin in their heart, practicing those sinful ways in their lives that there was not even an inkling of conversion. It’s somewhat breathtaking to see these “elders” actually going to God’s prophet - meaning there was some element of recognition, but not the slightest humility in thinking “We have to change... I have to change...” In a sense, they validated God’s judgment.
God is always ready, willing, and able to forgive. But that at a minimum requires the acknowledgment of the need for it.

Day 217 The Everlasting Covenant

DAY 217: Isaiah 55-56; Ezekiel 16; Proverbs 13: 1-4

DEAR JERUSALEM
A “Dear John” or “Dear Jane” letter is where the man or woman writes their romantic partner to tell them the relationship is over. “Dear John - by the time you read this letter I’ll be gone...” As we’ve found, Ezekiel is one of the more dramatic prophets we’ve encountered in the Old Testament (which is saying a lot!) And in today’s reading of Chapter 16, we encounter the longest chapter of this book which brought that "Dear John" idiom to mind.
The language and imagery are heartbreakingly beautiful where you have this picture and image of a woman being pursued by a man - who longed for her with the purest and noblest of intentions, desired only the best for her, and entered into marriage, into covenant with her. But sadly the bride has been unfaithful. That one line just crushed me: “how lovesick is your heart, says the Lord God, seeing you did all these things, the deeds of a brazen harlot.” (16:30)
As we hear the sadness of a spouse betrayed, while we would expect to hear the scorned one saying goodbye for good reason, this “Dear John” letter takes an unexpected turn. God can’t give up on His beloved. Despite having all the reasons to do so, the history repeating itself of infidelity upon infidelity, His hope remains that somehow there will be a reconciliation, a renewal of the covenant. Such that even painful chapters from the past aren’t just dismissed and forgotten about as the couple starts “fresh”, God wants even those failures can be redeemed: “I will restore their fortunes, both the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and the fortunes of Samaria and her daughters...” That’s how unbreakable the covenant is to God. Despite how it has been broken, despite how broken we are - the Lord God will remain faithful: “I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord that you may remember and be confounded and never open your mouth again because of your shame when I forgive you all that you have done...” (16: 62-63)

Day 218 Each Will Be Judged

DAY 218: Isaiah 57-58; Ezekiel 17-18; Proverbs 13: 5-8

YOU’RE NOT MADE FOR EXILE
Hearing these somewhat ominous prophecies can sometimes have the opposite of their intended effect. We hear what some describe as a riddle or a parable about eagles and vines. The first eagle breaks off a shoot of an enormous cedar tree to a “land of trade and city of merchants. ” That eagle then takes a seed and plants it in fertile soil where it sprouts as a “low-spreading vine,” rooted and fixed in that soil (Ezekiel 17:3-6). Then another eagle sees that the spreading vine of the first eagle has turned toward him. It has, in fact, been transplanted into “good soil by abundant waters,” where the second eagle hopes it becomes a “noble vine,” bearing much fruit (Ezekiel 17:7-8). God then asks a devastating question: Will the vine thrive? (V. 9) The answer is equally devastating - No... The vine will be pulled by its roots, the fruits will rot and whither, and the transplanted vine is doomed.
The Lord is dramatically assessing the state of affairs. The people in exile had entered into promises and made oaths with these members of false religions. The exiled made that promise by invoking the Lord God. By their swearing to God, they were invoking His reality to a pagan world, so by being unfaithful to them, they not just lied to the pagan peoples, but testified against God himself.
They were saying to these people they were not worried about dishonoring the Lord, that there wouldn’t be any consequences to it. Was that because the people thought things were so bad, how could they get worse? Had the lukewarmness in their hearts grown to just coldness? Disbelief? Has all of God’s warning had the opposite effect - that the people are just feeling they’re so far gone, there’s no hope?
It’s obviously a dire situation that God takes seriously in having his prophet speak in such dramatic illustrations meant to engage their minds and hearts. Withered vines, cut-off roots, rotten fruit - there’s not much hope for that. In the natural order of things.
But God meets them in that desolation reminding them “I the Lord bring low the high tree and make high the low tree... dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.” (V. 17: 22-24) He’s trying to break through their thick heads and stubborn spirits: You were not made for exile. This isn’t where you’re intended to be. As chosen people, you have a greater destiny than this. And he tells them the remedy is not impossible or surprising: “Repent and turn from all your transgressions which you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!” (18: 31)
No one has to remain in exile if they choose to listen to God’s voice and respond.

Day 219 Separation From God

DAY 219: Isaiah 59-60; Ezekiel 19; Proverbs 13: 9-12

WHERE DOES OUR HELP COME FROM?
Ezekiel has some new parables from the Lord to deliver to His people that were directly related to their present trials. It starts with a Mamma lion who has cubs. The first baby lion grew to be a bad, ferocious lion that went on a murderous rampage until he was captured and taken to Egypt. Fearing he was lost forever, she makes another of her cubs into a violent and destructive lion, who is also captured and brought to Babylon. Curiously, then we shift from animals to gardens. We hear of a flourishing grapevine with strong branches that suddenly is transplanted into the wilderness. The strong branches are broken off and destroyed.
These images in short represent Jerusalem and the great-grandsons of King David who became the various kings in Jerusalem. It might seem like re-stating the obvious to the captives in Babylon. But God is trying to break through to the people who kept pinning their hopes on human leaders, and temporal powers. They kept looking to different individuals as their hope to return to the glory they once knew.
But the point that transcends this particular historical moment any leader, nation, government, whatever human enterprise, without God, will always fail. And when the people make leaders their idols, when they are more focused on the things of this earth rather than eternity, they will find similar results to the cubs and vines.
Here in the US in recent decades, anytime someone mentions God it’s not long before someone else mistakenly cites “SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE” to shut down any conversation. Our founders had advocated for that to make sure that there was not an establishment of a particular Church, not to remove God, who they invoked in all of the essential documents of our independence and freedoms. They, as Christians who had a deep appreciation for the Judeo-Christian traditions and were trying to form a nation in response to God’s Word, understood this message from Ezekiel. To quote what we read earlier this week - may we have “eyes to see and ears to hear” this as well.

Day 220 Prophecy Fulfilled

DAY 220: Isaiah 61-62; Ezekiel 20 ; Proverbs 13: 13-16

WHO’S PUTTING WHO TO THE TEST?
Buckle up before you open up Ezekiel today because God is running a little hot for sure! The elders of Israel come to Ezekiel and say that they wanted to ask for guidance from God. God sees the hypocrisy in their hearts that they are not inquiring of the Lord, but trying to put Him to the test. So it’s like God is saying, you have some questions? Well, I have some questions first:
Was it not God who made a covenant with them in Egypt? Had He not saved them from Egypt? Didn’t God bring them into a promised land? Was it not the people who had not honored their part of the covenant by getting rid of the vile things they had become addicted to? Who was it that rebelled and wouldn’t listen to His word? Who held on to false gods despite having been chosen by the only true God? Who ignored the laws that were given to show how to live well, how to live in obedience and experience abundance? Who desecrated the Sabbath - and even when His anger was relented, still did not refrain from blaspheming against the Lord?
It’s a pretty devastating recounting of an abysmal record. Yet it’s necessary as we see that the elders are still self-blinding themselves and delusional. They continue to look at the other nations of the world and want to be like everyone else, putting their status as “chosen people” up for negotiation with the one who had called and chose them in the first place. It’s shocking how far the people had fallen.
It’s obvious they will need a savior to rescue them from the depths that they had sunken. As do all of us. One somewhat easy way for us to respond? Maybe we can honor the Sabbath - try to resist the impulse to work and/or shop (even online). Aside from getting to Mass and making space for prayer, whenever that urge to “do something productive” pops up, reach out to a friend or family member - do something restful and nourishing to your soul and recognize how God wants to save us - even from ourselves.

Day 221 Walking with Wise Men

DAY 221: Isaiah 63-64; Ezekiel 21-22 ; Proverbs 13: 17-20

GOD MAKES A WAY
Just to remember the five tips Fr Mike gave us for this Bible in a Year Journey at the outset, #5 was to persevere through the rough patches... there will be rough patches but if we persevere, we will get to a place of clarity.
And that is borne out in today’s chapters of Ezekiel. We continue to navigate dramatic imagery as we recount sinfulness and disobedience on the part of God’s people. Yet for the faithful remnant, and for us who are opening ourselves to God’s word, asking for His Holy Spirit to refashion us to have a biblical vision, there is a nugget of hope and beauty that we need to underline.
And you, o unhallowed wicked one, prince of Israel, whose day has come, the time of your final punishment, thus says the Lord God: Remove the turban, and take off the crown; things shall not remain as they are; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high. A ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it; there shall not be even a trace of it
— and wait for it, here’s the punch line:
until he comes whose right it is; and to him I will give it. - Ezekiel 21: 25-27
The People of Israel had wanted to be like every other kingdom on earth. Despite God’s warnings, they demanded a king. We who’ve journeyed now over 220 days know that story all too well. Despite the best efforts of the most righteous and the worst of examples from the most corrupt - they all had something in common: these men were weak, broken, and sinful. They all to various degrees had led the people into sin, into idolatry, into apostasy. God has decided that the throne of David will remain empty... until God Himself takes it. And rules it in the way that He has intended it to be ruled. In a way that will make the Chosen People, the “nation” the true light to all the nations - opening up His Kingdom for the peoples of all the world. That is fulfilled in Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.
So in the midst of this dire situation, God is reminding His people, He will continue to make a way to redeem, to save His people. That remains our hope - God promises to continue to in the midst of our brokenness and sinfulness make a way to redeem and save His people. That doesn’t mean we should keep making it a challenge for Him! But we can rejoice that despite how we sin and fall, He’s never done and finished with us.

Day 222 Idolatry and Adultery

DAY 222: Isaiah 65; Ezekiel 23-24 ; Proverbs 13: 21-25

INCREMENTAL STEPS
In some of the comments from the reflections for Sunday, it was moving to see and read how many people were taking to heart the idea of the “Sabbath.” Recognizing how easy it’s been for so many to violate that commandment and somehow telling ourselves it’s not that big a deal. I’ll speak for myself on this. Being a priest, offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (anywhere from 2 to 3 times on a Sunday and another time on Saturday Evening) it’s often a “busy” time. Because of that busyness, it’s been just as easy for me to run in real quick to a store on my way home from one Mass; or in between those Masses to take care of some chores I need to take care of, or before that last Mass to take care of some emails I didn’t get to all week. The more I recognized the more I was doing on Sundays, the more I was convicted that I was not honoring the Sabbath - and started to realize I had to bring that to confession and to start to change that. So I’ve been trying to be a bit more thoughtful and intentional on those things. Make sure I have meals planned out so I don’t have to run to the store; answer and attend to things that need to be done recognizing I won’t be able to do that on a Sunday. Even something simple like making sure the gas tank is above 1/4 of a tank on Saturday (as those of you who read my homily from Sunday know...) I’m far from perfect, but it’s been amazingly helpful in recapturing the sense of Sabbath for me personally and just highlighted the difference for me in how I was treating the Sabbath before.
That came to mind in encountering Chapter 23 of Ezekiel where we hear the kingdoms of Judah and Israel described as adulterous sisters “lusting” after lovers. He’s describing how the people of Judah would be somewhat mesmerized by the Chaldeans, their warriors, and their history, and the people of Israel were similarly enamored with the Babylonians.
The reality was their full-blown going into apostasy where they abandoned God for the worship of foreign false gods didn’t just happen one day. It was incremental. A matter of degrees. Maybe there was admiration for someone or something that turned into envy and jealousy... Interest and curiosity turned into fascination and obsession. Before they knew it, they had just as quickly abandoned another of the ten commandments as easily as I had in terms of “keeping the Sabbath.”
May each of us continue to let the Lord Jesus meet us wherever we are in our faith journeys. Maybe right now, you haven’t been to Sunday Mass in a long time and this is nudging on your heart to make that change. Perhaps it’s been a really long time since you’ve made it to confession and there are some other commandments that you’re feeling anxious and guilty about. The Lord doesn’t want any of us to be far from Him. His loving mercy is pointing at these things because He loves us - and wants us to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors so we can experience the true interior freedom we’ve been given in being Baptized into Christ and becoming God’s beloved sons and daughters.

Day 223 Responding Well

DAY 223: Isaiah 66; Ezekiel 25-26 ; Proverbs 14: 1-4:

NEVER-ENDING ENMITY
In chapter 25, we see the Lord giving Ezekiel prophecies against many of Israel’s enemies. Despite the fact that the people of God have invited the trouble in on themselves by their sinfulness, the image of God as a protective Father emerges. Yes, He is upset with His children, but He’s not blind to the bullies taking advantage of His children in their fallen state - and these enemies will know that these are God’s people.
Interestingly though, God, who sees - who reads -who knows hearts, makes a distinction in vs. 15 when judging the Philistines. While all these different peoples have had different offenses and grievous acts against His people, the Philistines do so “with malice of heart to destroy in never-ending enmity.” There’s this perpetual hatred which they are hell-bent on continuing from one generation to the next which the Lord sees as a particularly troubling distortion. This animosity looked and exploited any opportunity that presented itself to cause further harm to God’s people.
There’s sadly no shortage of examples we can point to of “never-ending enmity” in our day and age. Whether on an international level between nations; domestically between political groups and alliances; or even locally over an ever-growing list of decisions that a couple of years ago would never have been thought of as controversial. We see the viciousness and havoc that arises from prejudices - whether they are racist or the result of more recent “wokeness.” On a more personal level, if we’re willing to probe our own hearts and be vulnerable, we know the damage this can do to our own hearts, our lives, and relationships (The brother and sister who haven’t spoken in 2 decades, along with their kids and grandkids)
Whether it’s external or internal: we can feel hopeless in the face of never-ending enmity. Yet, the fact that the Lord specifically calls this out demands our attention. We know that nothing is impossible for Him - so the hopelessness we surrender to is tied to either a lack of faith or a lack of surrendering these things to the Lord.
As we continue to open ourselves to being transformed by God’s word, having a biblical vision - may we take that next step and lean into His power and presence in bringing forgiveness and healing into those seemingly bleak and unmoving animosities we see, we experience, we harbor ourselves.

Day 224 The Weeping Prophet

DAY 224: Jeremiah 1; Ezekiel 27; Proverbs 14: 5-8

DIFFERENT MESSENGERS, SAME MESSAGE:
Today we begin a new book of the Old Testament as we begin our walk with the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah comes on the scene almost a hundred years after Isaiah in the 7th Century before Christ. You’ll notice as we go through the book that we have these lengthy prophecies followed by these narratives of those prophecies being fulfilled. So that’s what makes this book different than our walk with Isaiah.

And unlike Ezekiel, Jeremiah is a very shy and sensitive man. He had desires for a quiet, simple life - wife, house with a picket fence 2.5 kids - but this call from the Lord God to serve as His prophet consumes Jeremiah. He remains faithful to his vocation and embraces celibacy so that he can stay single-minded and focused on all that the Lord is asking Him to do in His name.
Isn’t it kind of striking how different these prophets are from one another? The beauty of that should hopefully underline for us how God, who is unchanging, utilizes a wide assortment of characters to share His timeless eternal message to speak to every age and people. Through their quirks, language, and style - listeners will react differently. You might have a preference for one prophet over another. Yet we will find God’s love for His creation and desire for a relationship as the unifying message animating all of them.
We see that in a dramatic way in Ezekiel 27 today. Written as a lament, we hear the coming destruction of the city of Tyre. This was a major, fortified city - “too big to fail” of its time and era. That pride and arrogance are what lead to this downfall. It’s written in such mournful tones that we can hear God’s heaviness of heart that this city, these people have refused to listen to any warning. “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God: so turn, and live.” (Ezekiel 18: 32)
Whichever prophets we might have a personal preference for, may we be humble and receptive to hear from each of them, recognizing how ultimately it is God’s word.


Day 225 Our Will Versus God's Will

DAY 225: Jeremiah 2; Ezekiel 28; Proverbs 14: 9-12

PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL
Excuse my jumping ahead in proverbs for today’s title (which comes from Proverbs 16: 18) - but it’s what comes to mind in this fascinating chapter of Ezekiel. The word of God coming through the prophet directed towards the King of Tyre seems to be speaking on two levels. Namely that you can see how the King parallels with Lucifer who became Satan in the verses of lamentation (one for example that seems more directed towards Satan than the King of Tyre - “you were in Eden” for the King of Tyre that was probably meant in a symbolic way or on a spiritual level)
There’s a lot of deep theological discussion on this chapter because of the dual meanings, but for our purposes, we see the root of the fall for the King of Tyre is the same as it was for Lucifer and results in both of them being “Satanic.” Their pride. We see them claiming their beauty as something of their own rather than a gift of God (your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor -v 17) We can read the arrogance and corruption that ensues from that turning of their hearts with “multitudes of iniquities” (v 18)
Why is pride so dangerous, the “first” sin - the root of all evil? Because it exalts oneself, above everyone else, above every authority, even above God Himself. We saw that in the Garden of Eden (Did God really tell you that??? You shall not die for eating that fruit, you shall become like God) and here again for the King of Tyre “because your heart is proud and you have said ‘I am a god.’
The antidote is humility. Where we are thankful for being God’s creatures - fearfully and wonderfully made in His own image.... Where we give Him praise (which is what Worship - Going to Mass is all about) Where we call out to Him in our need (including St. Michael the Archangel who we see references to in this chapter ‘the guardian cherub drove you out’ v 16) and where we rejoice with the Blessed Virgin Mary, a human being conceived without sin and choosing to remain sinless (becoming the new “Eve”) who’s example is one of heartfelt, perfect humility.

Day 226 Unfaithful Israel

DAY 226: Jeremiah 3; Ezekiel 29-30; Proverbs 14: 13-16

A VERY STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE
Egypt - again... As often as we’ve kind of lamented in our thoughts, reflections, and comments how do the People of God keep screwing up? - it’s interesting to ask the same question about Egypt. Aside from the time when Joseph, the son of Jacob had risen to a position of authority, prominence, and admiration (by God’s hand and direction), Egypt has been on the receiving end of a lot of, shall we say, negative attention from the Lord God. Not without just cause, for sure. But after all this time and history, hearing a prophecy against Egypt is frustrating just as an outsider.
They’ve seemingly never learned anything from the plagues, the red sea... There is still an overriding arrogance amongst themselves “the Nile is my own, I made it...” (29: 3) Yet that God cares about this arrogance shows that He desires their salvation as well. His hope that their arrogance would’ve yielded to awe and wonder seeing how the Israelites, their slaves had once leveled them through God’s mighty hand and outstretched arm.
While another episode of devastation is coming upon them, this time at the hands of the Babylonians, it’s not being done out of revenge or malice, but that “all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord.” (29:6)
If the people of God were once described by the Lord as a “stiff-necked people” - would the Egyptians be “very stiff-necked”? Yet God desires their salvation - as He desires each of us. As we hear and read these words, who are the “stiff-necked” or very stiff-necked people who we know who are far from the Lord? Indifferent to a relationship with Him? Maybe we’re being invited to take some time to ask God how we can help loosen those necks, and soften those hearts to come to know and love Him as we are striving to do in our daily biblical journey.

Day 227 The Towering Cedar

DAY 227: Jeremiah 4; Ezekiel 31-32; Proverbs 14: 17-20

TERRIFYING JUDGMENT
One of the things that Fr. Mike discussed in a talk at a Virtual Catholic Conference that was held last year regarding the Impact and Implications of the Bible in a Year podcast has been the challenge that people have had when encountering passages regarding God’s judgment. It causes people to misunderstand scripture, seeing God in the Old Testament as “mean” compared to in the New Testament in Jesus being “love.” In one sense, it’s an understandable difficulty when we hear verses like today directed towards Egypt from the prophet Ezekiel:
I will trouble the hearts of many peoples... they shall tremble every moment, every one for his own life (Ezekiel 31:9)
One of the points that Fr. Mike made is that while these passages are challenging, even unpleasant at times - it’s a good thing that we’re unsettled by this and causing us to question and re-evaluate things. Because that means we’re taking scripture seriously. Which in our day and age is something that fewer and fewer people are doing.
As Catholic Christians, we bring to all this the knowledge that Jesus has saved us from our sins - bridged that gulf and remains that bridge when we find ourselves distant from God. That is the “good news” that is the Gospel. But the only way for that to resonate - for us to appreciate what a gift of love, the tremendous sacrifice and cost Jesus took on Himself, is for us to be clear about what is at stake. That God is not disinterested in our actions. Things like turning away from Him, making false gods and worshiping them, and usurping His authority are serious and there are real consequences to that. If these chapters find you feeling troubled, I simply invite you to recognize Jesus’ invitation into a deeper relationship with Him. That as we conform ourselves to Him - seeing Him as “the way, the truth, and the life,” we rejoice at the reality of salvation that is offered with a deeper reverence recognizing what a gift that truly is.

Day 228 The Watchman's Duty

DAY 228: Jeremiah 5; Ezekiel 33; Proverbs 14: 21-24

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
As difficult as some of these pronouncements have been, there’s an important thing to remember. It’s difficult for Ezekiel (or any prophet for that matter) to say these things. But Ezekiel has a sacred duty to fulfill. He has been called and chosen by God to deliver these warnings. That doesn’t often make him popular or well-received, and the temptation exists, (because even though he’s been called to this sacred vocation, that doesn’t remove his humanity or weaknesses any more than it does for the rest of us)
Today’s chapter seems directed to him personally to remind him of the importance of his faithfulness, and his righteousness. But its inclusion as a chapter in this book re-iterates the importance of us praying for those in leadership today - both in the secular world and especially in the Church. Knowing how hard it is for us how clearly and often God reveals Himself and His will to us and how easy it is for us to forget, to diminish those words, and fall back into our human and sinful ways.
As a priest that is something that comes to mind often and is one of the reasons that Fr. Mike ends each podcast with a request for prayers. Because of God’s expectations and the importance especially as priests to remain steadfast, faithful, and righteous. It brought to mind a saying that has both haunted and inspired me throughout my priesthood:
If the priest is a saint, the people will be fervent;
if the priest is fervent, the people will be pious;
if the priest is pious, the people will at least be decent;
if the priest is only decent, the people will be godless.
The spiritual generation is always one-degree less intense in its life than the one who begets it in Christ.
My brothers and sisters - May all of us strive and help one another strive to be saints.

Day 229 Shepherds of Israel

DAY 229: Jeremiah 6; Ezekiel 34-35; Proverbs 14: 25-28

LIKE A SHEPHERD
Having been born in 1973, my earliest memories of Mass were in a quintessential post-Vatican II parish. Our parish was founded right when Vatican II was beginning, so with so much change in the air, it was understandable that the Church was designed as a temporary Church that would eventually be converted into a gymnasium (it was attached to the auditorium with a retractable wall that during its peak, we filled both spaces for Sunday Mass - well over 1,000 people... I remember sitting on folding chairs that came equipped with kneelers)
Yes, we had the felt banners and guitar and piano masses that characterized (for better and for worse) that period of time. While people can rightly lampoon some of those things, coming to this chapter of Ezekiel what struck me was how familiar it was.
It was probably right around my first communion that I learned that song and can remember the words without the help of google - Like a Shepherd He feeds His flock, and gathers the lambs in His arms. Holding them carefully, close to His heart. Leading them home. I don’t know how many times it might have come to mind - moments of sadness where it was a comfort or even just in an ordinary, mundane moment when for some reason the memory of that song was triggered that brought a smile to my heart. Growing up I had no idea of who Ezekiel was, what the situation he was dealing with was that God called him to speak these words to them.
It strikes me that having learned that song as a 7-year-old, suburban kid from Northern New Jersey who had next to no knowledge or experience of shepherding or sheep - that if it could have an impact on me navigating the ups and downs in the relative safety and comfort of our first-world nation - how much more significant and deeper the words which that song was based spoke to its original listeners? In a sense, it makes these words that I’ve known for well over 40 years even more powerful when I think about that.
Yes, Ezekiel has been prophesying some difficult words about a whole host of people, nations, and leaders - for a good reason. Things are far from being rectified and things are going from bad to worse. Yet in the midst of that difficult chapter in their history, God reveals His deepest desire and the tenderness of His heart for His people. He is longing to comfort, protect, and guide them. Leading them home.
May those words take root in our hearts as well... and in case you need the earworm yourself 


Day 230 A New Heart

DAY 230: Jeremiah 7; Ezekiel 36; Proverbs 14: 29-32

A NEW HEART
One of the greatest celebrations of the Catholic Church takes place every year on Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil. When done correctly (and well) it is a night where we spend an extended period of time hearing God’s word, experiencing silence, and praying with the psalms. The full vigil includes 9 scriptures that are meant to take us from the story of Creation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then, to highlight the reality that this isn’t just a historical recounting or “remember when” of salvation history, we welcome new members into the Church with the Sacraments of Initiation of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist while the entire congregation then follows with Renewing our Baptismal Promises.
In the Easter Vigil, one of the key readings includes this chapter of Ezekiel. The prophet probably could not have imagined how these words would one day be fulfilled. “A new heart” might have struck some people as confusing as Nicodemus asking Jesus “What does it mean to be born again... you can’t mean an old man entering his mother’s womb again?” And most likely his first listeners probably focused on God’s promise to gather them... bring you home as hopeful signs that things would go back to things before the exile.
But God is not interested in simply bringing us back to where we once were. He doesn’t want us focused on the here and now and measuring His action by our returning to a comfortable, familiar existence. That’s why those words of “pouring of water” bring cleansing and transformation, which brings about this “new heart” pre-figure the Sacrament of Baptism. The Lord is making a “new way” for His fallen and broken people. He will come to be one of us and one with us... remaining with us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and His word so that we not only can receive these “new hearts” but have him as the divine physician to keep checking to make sure they’re working correctly (if we’re faithful in keeping our appointments   )

Day 231 The Valley of Dry Bones

DAY 231: Jeremiah 8; Ezekiel 37-38; Proverbs 14: 33-35

STICKS AND BONES
Today’s one of those days where your perseverance in following the Bible in a Year comes together in a meaningful way. Chapter 37 contains a scriptural episode that is probably one of the most familiar to us being such a dramatic reading that comes up in the Catholic lectionary. But having traveled through all these days with the prophet we have a much better picture of all that led up to this moment.
We’ve heard chapters of very colorful and unforgettable experiences with the prophet Ezekiel kind of building up to this climactic scene: the image of Ezekiel being ordered to prophesy to dry bones is incredibly unique and hard to forget once we’ve heard it. Where could you find a more desolate place than a valley of bones? Everything in the setting evokes lifelessness. For the prophet who has been speaking to people in exile, coupled with having something unimaginable to the people occur - the fall of Jerusalem - only this valley could be worse than what the people had experienced.
In the face of such finality and hopelessness though God is calling forth new life. God will bring about an unimaginable revival... These “sticks” represent the kingdom being forged together bringing a reunification of the Kingdom not as it was before but also a new and everlasting Kingdom. To the people, to Ezekiel even, these words must’ve been mysterious and confusing. How would that be possible? When will this happen?
In short, it would be possible when the people receive the love of God and respond in kind. When the idols are gone, when faith and trust in Him are restored, God will bring about a revival. We see how this will be fulfilled beyond the first listener's expectations in the Life, Death, and Resurrection of God’s Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. But that this prophecy still resonates in our day and era. Being gifted with the Sacraments, we have been incorporated into and fed with the Body of Christ. We are equipped and anointed to speak life into the dry bones, the “dead” of our day and time. Every time we feed the hungry. give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, the imprisoned, or ransom the captive - we are speaking new life into dry bones - and encountering (and serving) Him who rose from the dead.

Day 232 Glory in Knowing God

DAY 232: Jeremiah 9: Ezekiel 39; Proverbs 15: 1-4
UNSTOPPABLE
As Fr. Mike mentioned in yesterday’s podcast the identity of Gog and Magog has been a source of scholarly debate and speculation that can go off in a variety of directions. Curiosity had me googling it and I saw a variety of wild theories, including Christian preachers using this to say Russia launched a nuclear attack on Israel at the end of time. Yet by now, we’ve come to know that prophets are sent by the Lord to convey His message in a variety of ways that are meant to speak on multiple levels. So putting our human curiosity aside, let’s focus on the main point:
Dry bones. Mighty armies. Forces of Evil. None of those things can stop God or prevent His plans. Even when it’s the result of our self-inflicted wounds, that brings about utter destruction that leaves things in ruins and seemingly hopeless, nothing is at an “end” unless and until God says so. And if need be, he will breathe life into dead bones - or He might go in a different way completely bringing about something new and unprecedented.
That’s the good news we hear from Ezekiel today. Another foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus but speaking to the realities of a broken people in Exile who will hang on these promises recognizing that God allowed them into captivity (because that was what the people had wanted) but that He wants to bring them back and protect them. If they are willing to believe and trust in God’s unstoppable power - then even forces far surpassing them in might and strength would be leveled.
For us - what is it that we’re facing right now that seems to have the potential to crush us? Is it a sin we’ve struggled with - or perhaps not struggled with, we’ve surrendered to it thinking we can never stop falling in this area? Is it anxiety that makes the most ordinary and routine things seem impossible to accomplish? Is it an illness that someone you love or you yourself are suffering from that is a constant source of worry? Is it grief, mourning the death of a loved one that just comes in waves and washes over you to the point you feel emotions you could drown in them?
Whatever it is we’re facing - the God who breathed life into bones, crushed Gog, and the enemies of Israel is a God promising reconciliation, redemption, restoration, and resurrection. He’s calling us not just to turn away from the things that diminish our devotion to Him, but to bring those enemies, those threatening realities, and trust in His power, in His desire to crush them - so that we shall know and declare “I am the Lord their God...” (Ezekiel 39: 28)

Day 233 Correct me O Lord

DAY 233: Jeremiah 10-11; Ezekiel 40; Proverbs 15: 5-8
EXILE IS NOT FOREVER
As we hear and read about cubits and thickness and a litany of things that can sound as exciting as a genealogy. But for those who have been listening and receiving Ezekiel’s words - who’ve been exiled, seen their land conquered and the temple destroyed - things which a few generations earlier had been unimaginable to any Jews, despite their lukewarm (and at times, completely absent) faith and devotion to the Lord God - chapter 40 marks a shift for the prophetic word.
The main underlying message in all of these details is that God cannot, will not leave them. Their exile will not last forever. And probably equally unimaginable to losing the Temple in the first place is this awesome, exciting promise: there will be a new temple. Which we hear about in specific detail that is reminiscent of the commands we heard so many weeks ago about the building of the temple or the construct of the Ark. But unlike the plans for those constructs, this is coming from a prophet - so there’s a sense of something abstract going on here. The actual rebuilding of a temple will not follow these passages as a literal guide to how it was to be constructed... and in other ways, we will hear and see beyond that historic moment, there’s a bigger and deeper messianic prophecy that is fulfilled in Jesus.
All of that has its place for reflection and consideration - as well as our taking a moment to reflect on God’s blessings, and promises in our lives. The things we can take stock of here and now, the things yet to be fully revealed but that we hold onto with sincere, deep, and genuine faith. What are some of God’s promises that we are most grateful for today?

Day 234 Jeremiah Complains

DAY 234: Jeremiah 12-13; Ezekiel 41-42; Proverbs 15: 9-12
BEYOND TIME AND SPACE
One commentator emphasizing how extraordinary these plans being laid out estimated that the new temple would be one square mile, over 4,500 feet long (for contrast, the Vatican - St. Peter’s Basilica is just about 750 feet long) and Vatican City is 1/4 of a square mile. Such an edifice being built in Ancient Jerusalem would be impossible.
But God is speaking to and through Ezekiel, who wasn’t just a prophet, but a priest. The devastation of the temple wasn’t something that was easy for him to experience because the Lord was speaking to him and through him. In many ways, it had to have been even harder. He knew what was coming. He knew why it was happening. He saw the indifference and lukewarmness of the people. There was nothing more that he as one person could do. After seeing and hearing so many negative things, I wonder if the Lord gave him this vision of an even more glorious temple as a consolation?

For him not to be discouraged or disheartened by what was happening here on earth. But to have this vision, to be renewed in his faith that the Lord God was still calling Israel to an even more glorious future. That the holiness of God, the holiness He calls us to is not inhibited by the brokenness we experience in our lives, in our world. When His people can remember all that the Lord God has done for them, and be faithful to Him in the midst of that brokenness, it’s then that they begin to approach the Holy of Holies beyond time and space.

Day 235 Lying Prophets

DAY 235: Jeremiah 14-15; Ezekiel 43-44; Proverbs 15: 13-16
GOD RETURNS
One of the most devastating parts of Ezekiel’s prophecy came about 30 chapters ago. When he told the people of God leaving the temple. We recognize that God has not left or abandoned His people - by the very fact that He has kept talking to them through Ezekiel! But at the same time that was an incredibly bleak moment in their history to recognize the precious gift that had been taken advantage of and squandered for so long. The vision today continues with these lofty, out-of-worldly descriptions of the new temple to come with what was of most importance: “the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43: 6)
For the people being exiled, there had already been a sense of separation being so far removed from that physical structure where God had chosen to dwell. With God “leaving the temple” - and that structure having been destroyed - even with Ezekiel speaking to them, it had to have been hard for them not to have felt abandoned. Now they hear this good news - God’s loving kindness is without end. He would return from the East (by the way He had left) - He will do so cleansing and purifying the nation once again.
For us as Catholic Christians, we celebrate how God in His son Jesus Christ not only has never abandoned us, remains with us but even more astonishingly chooses to make himself humble under the modest appearances of bread and wine in the Eucharist. The same God that our ancestors mourned and longed for just to be near them again makes Himself that accessible and vulnerable that we are to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”(Psalm 34) ourselves. May we never take for granted how awesome the gift of the Eucharist is. Maybe the next time we receive the Eucharist at Mass we can reflect on how in utter shock our ancestors would have been to see what we see, to hear what we hear, to receive what we receive. How God has returned for us.

Day 236 Rich in Love

DAY 236: Jeremiah 16-17; Ezekiel 45-46; Proverbs 15: 17-20
CAN’T LEAVE THE SAME WAY
We’re coming to the end of our time with Ezekiel - almost a month-long journey with this Prophet will wrap up tomorrow. We’ve gone from hearing these elaborate plans for a New Temple and now have shifted to elaborate descriptions of right worship, roles, duties for the people, etc.
It’s good to remember that for the people of Israel, the Temple was the place of encounter for them with the eternal, living Lord God. It is where they were made “whole” - being His people and in reverence and awe worshiping Him as their God. This is why as we read through chapter 46 concerning all the ordinances of the New Temple, verse 9 stood out: ...no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered. While some biblical commentaries try to keep it on a more logical/visionary level- imagining this massive edifice drawing thousands for worship. So it could be simply good pedestrian traffic management.
I couldn’t help but have my mind wander to a similar passage in the Gospel of Matthew. One of my favorite points of reflection during the Christmas season is how the wise men (“we three kings...”) when they follow the star leading them to the newborn King of the Jews, are warned in a dream to depart for their country “by another way.”
Again, there are practical reasons the Magi are given these specific directions, but there’s a spiritual message that comes to mind with these passages. Whenever we’ve come face to face with God, we should never leave the same way we came to that encounter. Perhaps the Lord is trying to get people to start anticipating this type of transformation by envisioning this prohibition on entrances and exits to the temple?
It’s not uncommon for those of us who go to Mass on a regular basis can get used to the “routine.” We get used to going to a particular Church, often at a set time each week - some are fond of a particular spot they like to sit. That’s great - (it’s most important that we make that commitment to get there on a weekly basis) - but maybe this point will stick in your mind the next time you go to Mass and you’ll feel compelled to do something out of the ordinary... or just stop out of the blue at a church or chapel today. Doing so in faith that our encounters with the Living God is meant to affect us, even in seemingly small ways that we can’t fully appreciate in the day-to-day. But leaning into our faith in Him to ever draw us into a deeper relationship with Him and as that happens - we can never be the same - nor would we want to be... we want to leave differently.

Day 237 Water From The Temple

DAY 237: Jeremiah 18-19; Ezekiel 47-48; Proverbs 15: 21-24
THE LORD IS THERE
With the extravagant imagery of the “New Temple” as we come to the end of our time with the prophet Ezekiel, there are hints at something bigger. In chapter 47 there’s this water that begins to flow from the right side of the temple. It grows from being ankle-deep, knee-deep, to a mighty river that could not be passed through. It’s described as “life-giving” water - where we hear of growth, flourishing, healing... Ezekiel’s vision then continues with these geography lessons of boundaries and apportionments which seem kind of odd. But what’s being conveyed here to people who are exiled - who have seen the “promised land” captured and decimated? The Lord God is describing the restoration of the ancient territories we read about months ago in the book of Numbers! The message would’ve been clear to the listeners, that just as God had saved His chosen people from their enemies, He would do it again. They have an inheritance - harkening to the promises of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even more, those who weren’t Jewish by ethnicity, by family heritage (Gentiles) are also given a home a place (Ezekiel 47: 21-23).
The book of Ezekiel then closes with a pretty awesome final word - the name of this future city: The Lord is there (Ezekiel 48: 35).
These final chapters perfectly depict the multi-layers of meaning behind the prophet's words. For the initial listeners, they heard fantastical images that captured the ambitious visions of the end of exile and what the restoration of their returning home would look like. Early Christians they saw Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, eternal High Priest at the center of this kingdom where we experience the mystery of its arrival and coming about at the same time. That we feel that tension of the perfection of that ideal while restoration continues to purify all the grossness of the sins that first lead to exile for our ancestors and entraps people into spiritual slavery, exile today.
The good news is that unlike our ancestors who were awaiting the day they would return home looking for signs of this kingdom emerging - we know it already exists. By our Baptisms and Confirmations, this Holy Spirit who only spoke to Ezekiel dwells in you. THE LORD IS THERE - within you. And whenever we align ourselves to God’s power and authority, when we as individuals repent, turn away from sin and return to the Lord, when we put ourselves at the service of the Lord, we are participating in helping this new city of God to emerge.

Day 238 Fall of Jerusalem

DAY 238: Jeremiah 20-21; Daniel 1-2; Proverbs 15: 25-28
THREE IN ONE
Today we start the Old Testament book of Daniel - which in some ways could be described as three books in one. Chapters 1-6 are a “narrative” written during the time of the Babylonian exile. They tell stories of Daniel and some of his contemporaries. Chapters 7-12 are prophetic visions of Daniel that are apocalyptic in nature similar to what we just heard from Ezekiel. Chapters 13-14 are three more stories of the Jews in exile.
The unifying message though of the entire book is reminiscent of Moses demonstrating the Lord God is the only God as he went toe-to-toe with the Egyptians and their pagan gods. But for Daniel coming almost a millennium later, after the Jews had entered the Promised Land and now been exiled though, this message seemed even more urgent for both the Chosen People and the world who grew more arrogant with that conquest.
There are some fantastical stories and images that we’re going to be encountering as we enter into this Old Testament scripture. Today we set the stage by meeting Daniel. A man who has remained faithful and righteous to the Lord in the midst of the exile and hearing his devotion to the Lord God. Boldly testifying “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings...” (Daniel 2: 21) Daniel is steadfast in his belief that the Lord God is ultimately in control even as they are subject to the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar.
In a day and age where we find “secularism” a modern form of paganism to be sure - where we are troubled and rightfully unnerved by events we see on our news feeds, Daniel is a welcome voice - demonstrating shrewdness in remaining faithful to God and obeying the king... and when it’s time that there can not be any compromise and there’s a call to be courageous in fidelity to the Lord God. Never dishonoring the God who “changes times and seasons.” May Daniel help renew our hearts and strengthen our resolve to be shrewd and courageous in our day and age.


Day 239 Hananiah, Mishael, And Azariah

DAY 239: Jeremiah 22; Daniel 3; Proverbs 15: 29-33
SO MUCH FOR WISDOM
I have to admit, I forgot how Daniel had just interpreted the dream for King Nebuchadnezzar, been promoted with his friends as “chief prefect” of all the wise people of Babylon when we encounter probably the most well-known parts of the Book of Daniel: Chapter 3 - “The Fiery Furnace” episode. The same king who was humbled to his face at the gift of insight, and interpretation the Lord God had bestowed on Daniel - far surpassing any of the wisdom of his nation, his people - is enraged that they won’t worship a pagan idol. He sentences them to what was a sure, certain and torturous death.
You would think that if the Lord God just wowed you through His people like that, you might have a little more reverence, respect, and awe for Him and His people.
But it just reveals the fickle nature of the human heart. Even for those of us who do believe. The day after the prayer has been answered, the miracle did take place, are we still moved to “fear of the Lord” - gratitude at His mighty hand at work in our lives, in our midst? Or do we return to life before the crisis - before the prayer was asked/answered?
The three young men show us the depth not only of wisdom but faithfulness. They remain single-minded in their conviction that the Lord God was in control... to the point of saying - even if they aren’t saved from the flames, they might not know how the Lord God would take care of them.
He does. He walks with them in the flames... enabling them to do so as well, completely unharmed.
He still does... In the “furnaces” of life that we face - that terrify us, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had a mysterious figure described as like a son of the gods. We have the Son of God in our midst, dwelling among us and within us in Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to purify and strengthen our hearts of faith to grow in confidence of this even greater gift we’ve been blessed with, far surpassing what our three ancestors received in their furnace.

Day 240 Remaining Humble

DAY 240: Jeremiah 23; Daniel 4-5; Proverbs 16: 1-4
ONLY ONE WAY
King Nebuchadnezzar is a bit of an enigma. We heard in Chapter 3 he made this decree (after the whole furnace thing kind of shocked him) that no people, nation, or language should say anything against “the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” Yet in the next instant calls Daniel “Belteshazzar” which Fr. Mike pointed out in the podcast yesterday was in itself dishonoring both God and Daniel by renaming this faithful Jew as the false, pagan god “bel” protecting his life - rather than the Lord God. He calls him this while he’s asking Daniel to interpret a second dream. Which predicts the King going mad - which he does immediately after the interpretation. Upon regaining his senses, the King “praises God.”
Here’s the thing - he’s still trying to assimilate “God” into one of the many pagan, false gods he and his kingdom followed. He’s impressed with the Lord God and the mighty things he has witnessed as done through the Lord God and this group of misfits who were exiled into his kingdom. But King Nebuchadnezzar still thinks he’s in charge. That he can decide who is worthy of worship - and who isn’t. This is what continues in Daniel 5. The sacred vessels from the temple are being used for pagan worship. This sacrilege causes God to write on the walls that their reign will be coming to an end.
In the midst of their “accommodation” of the Lord God, Nebuchadnezzar and his family appreciated Daniel’s abilities to interpret and clarify the Lord God’s messages to them. But they ignored the call he issued: “O King, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your tranquility.”
God is not interested in being “tolerated.” He won’t compromise with human rulers and false gods. He desires conversion of heart and offers many messages and opportunities (especially through the seemingly meek and powerless) to call the “mighty” to recognize who is ultimately in charge. Eventually, the Babylonians will learn this truth. Hopefully, humanity in our day and age would do so without the Lord having to “humble the proud.

Day 241 Daniel and the Den of Lions

DAY 241: Jeremiah 24-25; Daniel 6-7; Proverbs 16: 5-8
DREAMS, FIRES AND LIONS, OH MY
Reading through the book of Daniel is a fun read. Indeed we see constantly where this “underdog” who is facing seemingly impossible odds and perilous threats navigating them with relative ease. After different trials and vindications that the Lord God was with Daniel and that the Lord God is the only true God worthy of honor (even in this pagan territory), once again there are some in positions of authority who doubt, deny, and want to test that theory - which we find in another of the “famous stories” from Daniel. Daniel is thrown into Lion’s den, with the king saying “Your God, whom you serve so constantly, must save you.” In other words - good luck...
The challenge for us believers so many thousands of years removed from this incredible moment of God’s providential hand protecting his servant is to be inspired and not to question, doubt, and envy. We might have people conspiring, lying about us. We might have been trying to remain faithful, steadfast, and trusting in God. We might find ourselves in our own Lion’s dens and their mouths don’t seem to be shut at all.
It’s then that we have to listen to those words of that king who probably said them without much hope – “Your God, whom you serve so constantly, must save you.” He probably had no idea how, or if God would save Daniel - and Daniel when he had entered the furnace had done so seemingly at peace with whatever might happen - whether he somehow be saved or incinerated - knowing that ultimately God would save him. That’s what’s key - not anticipating how God will show up, show out and protect those who call out to Him - but remaining steadfast in trust that He does, He will.

Day 242 The Role of King Nebuchadnezzar

DAY 242: Jeremiah 26-27; Daniel 8-9; Proverbs 16: 9-12
A FAMILIAR FRIEND
In Daniel chapter 8 we encounter a familiar friend from the Gospel of Luke. The Archangel Gabriel - the same Gabriel who brings the news of the coming birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth... the same Gabriel who greets the Blessed Virgin Mary as “full of grace” as she learns she has been chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus. Gabriel, whose name means “God has shown Might” comes to Daniel to help him understand the visions he has been receiving.
This is a good thing since this is considered one of the most challenging chapters in scripture. Particularly with prophetic texts like these, it’s tempting (and happens a lot) for these verses to be taken out of context and applied to modern-day events or occurrences.
The Angel Gabriel directly explains the meanings of the ram with the horns and the goat referring to kingdoms that will rise and fall some 200 years later. Chapter 8 ends with Daniel being worn out from being overwhelmed by the visions (not to mention this heavenly visitor). That leads to Daniel’s heartfelt and beautiful prayer asking for God’s mercy for the many sins of His people.
That leads to this prophecy entitled “the Seventy Weeks.” This is where it can get confusing - (if it’s of any comfort, even scholars find it challenging to interpret) - with the prophetic language and the references to the restoration of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and end times, there’s a lot here. In fact, I found myself reading through the Jerome Biblical Commentary and Scott Hahn’s Ignatius Bible study, which truth be told didn’t help clarify things.
Suffice it to say, what’s notable? Daniel’s mindful of the sins of the nation. What does he do? He offers heartfelt prayers and fasts. In response, this heavenly visitor and the message from God point to the promise that the exile will indeed end, but sadly sin will continue to afflict people. But the good news is that God is unveiling His ultimate plan to deal with sin once and for all - and His Name is Jesus.

Day 243 The Lord's Plans

DAY 243: Jeremiah 28-29; Daniel 10-11; Proverbs 16: 13-16
REMINDERS
It is never difficult to find examples of things in our day and age that could point to "end times." Especially as we continue to navigate these scriptures. The reality is that God’s commandments are commands meant for our happiness, and our flourishing. So living in opposition to them, well, as they say, do the math.
But we have to be cautious in assigning current events to biblical verses taken out of context. That’s one of the benefits of traveling together on this is that we’re aware of the historic significance of what was happening during the times of Jeremiah and Daniel. How there were specific things that they were speaking to and prophesying about - but also how their words and messages can still resonate with us thousands of years later.
One of which beautifully comes through Daniel 10. More than likely, every one of us has had an experience when we’ve prayed for something and felt unsure whether that prayer was heard, or acknowledged since there was no apparent answer (or more than likely, we didn’t see or receive the answer we had in mind).
Daniel has been praying and fasting for weeks after the visions and interpretations from Gabriel about the end times, the exile, and the devastation that had befallen God’s people. (It’s good to recall that even prophets, the faithful and righteous ones feel these things, sometimes even more deeply than many others - because they are confident in God’s love, mercy, and presence - and feel the effects of people’s turning away even more acutely)
The next time we find ourselves in similar circumstances, underline these words: “Fear not... from the first day that you set your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard....” (Daniel 10: 12). God is always listening... is always attentive. For Daniel, we learn that there was an answer right away, but that between the answer and Daniel’s receiving it - there was a delay. But in God’s timing, it was right on target. For Daniel, it meant the angelic assistance of another familiar friend - St. Michael the Archangel (v. 13) (on another one of these days, I’ll talk more about our need to be mindful of angelic assistance)
God is still listening to our cries, our pleas, our prayers. So let’s not try to assign any of the awful things that we see and hear on the news - or the difficulties and struggles in our own lives that don’t make headlines but are just as devastating on a personal level - as somehow a fulfillment of a verse or two of scripture we’re reading out of context. But rather focus on the bigger and consistent messages - of our need to be faithful, humble, and prayerful.

Day 244 Susannah's Righteousness

DAY 244: Jeremiah 30; Daniel 12-13; Proverbs 16: 17-20
TURNING AWAY THEIR EYES
Chapter 13 (and Chapter 14) has become an area of dispute between Catholics and Protestants, with the latter removing these chapters from their bibles. The short answer is that the earliest manuscripts of these chapters are found in Greek, not Hebrew or Aramaic - which caused some to argue this was a latter addition.

Suffice it to say from the earliest of centuries when the Catholic Church convened to determine what composed the entirety of the Old and New Testament (particularly the New Testament and rejecting some “gnostic gospels”) these two chapters were included - and universally that was accepted among all Christians until the 16th Century.
It’s unfortunate that our separated brothers and sisters in Christ don’t encounter this story of Susanna. For us Catholics, the lengthy proclamation opens up the last two weeks of Lent - traditionally called “Passiontide” - where the focus on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ comes into full focus. One of our scripture scholars preaching on this on the Monday of the 5th week of Lent in seminary noted that there are 30 similarities between the story of the accusation and trial of Susanna and the Passion of Jesus Christ... They’re both arrested in a garden, they’re both falsely accused, they’re both put on trial, and neither offer any defense for themselves but rather trust in God as their source of vindication - to name a few.
Those curiosities - which biblical scholars love to reflect on and which are interesting - aside, from the importance of this story and why it figures so prominently as we enter the holiest part of the year for us - is how it pits the colossal fight between good and evil front and center. Early into chapter 13, the two elders who lust after Susanna, and how they succumbed to that temptation is stated so brilliantly and succinctly: “they perverted their minds and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering righteous judgments.” (Daniel 13:9) In that, we hear where that line from evil thought to action is crossed. They turned away from the source of goodness and light while Susanna’s (and Jesus) gaze is never taken off of God.
The purity in Daniel’s heart enables him to see that light radiating in Susanna and is able to cut through the false testimony of these scoundrels not to mention the hasty judgment of a crowd so willing to believe them.
The reality of darkness afflicting humanity is all too real. We can write our own chapters and verses of mixed motives, hasty accusations, reluctance to stand up and defend the innocent, and justice without mercy (as well as mercy without justice as Fr. Mike makes reference to) can be found anywhere - including within hearts that reside within Christian men and women. It’s easy for us to fall, or conform ourselves to the powers at work in the world. Susanna reminds us of the opposite course of her accusers as a guide for us- never turning our eyes from looking to Heaven.

Day 245 The Faithfulness of Daniel

DAY 245: Jeremiah 31; Daniel 14; Proverbs 16: 21-24
SLAYING DRAGONS & HUNGRY LIONS (again)
Our time with Daniel concludes in a way that seems in keeping with our entire time with him. In dramatic fashion. We have him “slaying a dragon” and once again being thrown into a hungry lion's den - this time instead of an overnight, for six days.
Just to clarify a few things. By “dragon” most scholars describe it as a large crocodile or snake. I do like that Daniel slays whatever it is in the most unlikely of ways - by giving him indigestion after feeding him “pitch, hair and fat” made into cakes. I’m imagining Pepto-Bismol commercials right now. The point of this episode though undermines the Babylonian’s “worship” of this creature. Because a “god” would not be so easily destroyed by elements from a mere mortal. Then this return to the lions’ den is demanded by the people who didn’t take kindly to their “god” being dismissed and dispatched as he was. The result is miraculous once again. The lion’s mouths are shut, and just for good measure, God sends his own door dash to Daniel through a prophet...
The fantastical story comes full circle. The King of Babylon is heard closing out this chapter and this book shouting in a loud voice “You are great, O Lord God of Daniel, and there is no other besides you.” (verse 41) Just a little more than 20 verses earlier he had said the same thing about the false god “bel.”
As people living in a “post-Christian” world where “secularism” or outright atheism has become a religion to greater numbers of people, Daniel’s faithfulness, dedication, and perseverance are probably a more needed example than ever. He never compromises in order to “fit in.” He’s willing to suffer insult, injury, and attempts on his life as a testimony to anyone and everyone that there is only one true God worthy of any worship. May Daniel pray for us as disciples of Jesus Christ that we too will find ways of testifying and witnessing this same truth.

Day 246 Rejoice in Doing Good

DAY 246: Jeremiah 32; Judith 1-2; Proverbs 16: 25-28
ENTER A WOMAN OF VALOR
Today we begin with the book of Judith, which is one of the books that has proved to be the most controversial among scholars. Protestants removed the book because there were questions about there being Greek and Latin translations of it (as well as two versions in Hebrew, one being significantly shorter than the other). There’s been some who have pointed out that the history gets muddy (the example I read said it would be similar to an author beginning a book, "In 1776, when Abraham Lincoln was the president of Canada...”) So they treat it more as a piece of literature from the 2 century before Christ - perhaps written, “inspired by true events.” Others argue that the errors were mistakes made by translators over time and point to some strong historical facts that can be gleaned in studying the book and the period it’s from.
I share all of that not to add to more confusion, but knowing some do further reading and research, you can find a variety of opinions - and biblical scholars can sound incredibly definitive when they’re arguing their perspective.
For the Catholic Church, when we approach biblical scholarship, we are not blind to differing academic arguments pointing to one way or the other. At the same time, we also have appropriate reverence for tradition, noting that when the bible was compiled into a more “authoritative” collection until the late 4th Century that was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and serious discernment and dialogue, especially in determining which books belonged to the New Testament as inspired Word of God and which didn’t for a variety of reasons. For the Old Testament, the Catholic Church (which was the only Church for centuries) accepted the “Greek” version of the Old Testament called the Septuagint which was translated into Greek appx. 285 B.C. This collection was widely used from that point on, including during the life of Christ. Jews started questioning this “version” around the 2-3rd century A.D. Mostly to distinguish themselves from Christians who had by now become more separated from Judaism.

OK - so that’s the cliffs notes to a bit of biblical history which is probably more information than any of you wanted or needed   But it’s important to have some of this to at least understand why unfortunately some bibles don’t include this.
Because putting all of those questions and confusion aside, Judith is an incredibly powerful woman for us to encounter - one sent by God to deliver the Jewish people from (yet another) time of despair and trial.
But we’re not going to get to her for a few days! The first chapters are going to give us a bit of the backstory: God’s absolute sovereignty over all things coming into conflict with Nebuchadnezzar’s earthly power and rule -which starts today with him raging against the whole region (in chapter 1) and destroying all the nations under the leadership of Holofernes (chapter 2).
Hopefully, you can sit back and enjoy this next week that we spend with this book as we learn of and from this true Jewish heroine.

Day 247 True Repentance

DAY 247: Jeremiah 33-34; Judith 3-5; Proverbs 16: 29-33
ANOTHER GOLIATH
As we pick up in Judith Chapter 3, we hear how all the nations that had ignored Nebuchadnezzar’s command would be destroyed. Seeing the tens of thousands of troops they were terrified, so these peoples send representatives to basically surrender and seek a peace treaty. General Holofernes devastates them anyway. For the people of Israel, as word got around them, they fear what awaits them.
But what is notable is that we see Israel calling out to God with prayer, penance, fasting... even their cattle are wearing sackcloth! Unlike so many times and in so many ways we’ve encountered in the last 247 days - they are like the people of Nineveh that Jonah preached to. They humble themselves, and unlike those other nations, surrender themselves to God.
One verse says all we need to hear: “So the Lord heard their prayers and looked upon their affliction.” (Judith 4: 13) Yes Nebuchadnezzar was mighty, was powerful, was - kinda like a Giant. Too bad he doesn’t realize, that our God loves confronting arrogant giants who threaten His people.
Hopefully, each of us, with whatever “giants” we’re facing do know that and can trust the Lord hears our prayers

Day 248 Cut to the Heart

DAY 248: Jeremiah 35-36; Judith 6-7; Proverbs 17: 1-4
WHO IS GOD?
There’s a quote that goes “A man who won’t believe in God, doesn’t then believe in nothing, but in anything.” That came to mind reading Holofernes in today’s readings asking “Who is God except Nebuchadnezzar??” As he launches into his arrogance and claims of being able to annihilate people, what’s curious is how he notes “this race came out of Egypt.” So Holofernes can’t claim to be ignorant of the Lord God and what He has done for His people - even Holofernes has heard of the plagues that befell Egypt when they refused to free His people - has heard of the parting of the Red Sea as His people were being chased down by Pharaoh’s forces. He’s not ignorant of these things - he’s allowed his arrogance to dismiss this warning from Achior and threaten God’s people but is actually calling out God. Holofernes then basically hands over Achior to the Israelites - imaging that disrespecting Nebuchadnezzar, was akin to blasphemy, and handing him over to the “enemy” the Jews would result in his death.
But what happens? God’s people treat Achior with dignity and respect. As he shares his report of what Holofernes has said, the threats he has made, the people turn to God in prayer. The battle drums are getting louder and louder. Holofernes has now close to 180,000 troops against tiny Israel. Yet as they’re about to attack, Holofernes all of a sudden has some doubt enter in. They’ve devastated 10 larger, more mighty foes yet something causes him to pause and instead surround the Israelites.
For their part, they’ve been steadfast in their faith - as they’re surrounded by these foes for 34 days, but at that point, they start to waver and consider “maybe it’s better that we be slaves than get attacked?” Uzziah calls out to them to “have courage” - remember who their God is, and who they are.
Hopefully, you’re beginning to see what a treasure the tension and drama of this narrative are for people of every time and age. Holofernes and his “god” Nebuchadnezzar are long gone, but there are threats from those who believe in “anything” other than the Lord God and continue to threaten His people. The response will always be the same: never losing sight of Who is God - and Who He has called us to be - His very sons and daughters.

Day 249 Prayer of Judith

DAY 249: Jeremiah 37-38; Judith 8-9; Proverbs 17: 5-8
MEET JUDITH
Seven chapters in are quite a prologue till we meet the namesake of a particular book. Yet it’s good to remember that ultimately, the main character is the Lord God. And in His timing, in His way - often ways that confuse and confound humanity - He reveals His presence and activity. As He does here in bringing Judith front and center.
And who is Judith? She is a widow, who despite losing her husband (which for many in that day and age could have made her vulnerable) is wealthy. So she could have easily put her reliance and trust in her riches. Yet we hear how she remains steadfast in her faith. She is committed to fasting and prayer. We read how she makes a “tent” upon the roof of the house. That calls to mind the Jewish feast of Sukkoth - where for 7-8 days the people would live in tents to recall their 40 years of living in tents in the wilderness where God had supplied for their needs and led them to the promised land. In short, Judith is the real deal - believing and putting into practice her belief that God is with her - providing for her, just as He did for His people in the wilderness.
If there was ever a moment that needed such a woman to enter the narrative it’s now - just as the elders are buckling in the face of their enemies. Uzziah had been able to postpone their surrender for a few days, but his “have courage’ speech was lacking in that it gave a 5 day expiration date. This woman of faith doesn’t mince words:
“Let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who is putting us to the test as he did our forefathers.”
In the face of their lack of faith, their lack of courage, Judith gives them the smack in the head they deserve and needed. And then shows she’s not just someone who talks a good game, the entire Chapter 9 demonstrates her prayerfulness and faithfulness.
I can’t help but think of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (who’s feast day was yesterday, September 5th) that little, seemingly frail lady who was able to level any rich, powerful leader she encountered by her faithfulness, her prayerfulness, her humility - who even though she passed away 25 years ago still inspires and confronts us. Judith does the same for the people of her age and time. And once again we will see how God will use the lowly ones to confound the proud.

Day 250 Final Wave of Exile

DAY 250: Jeremiah 39-40; Judith 10-11; Proverbs 17: 9-12
SHES NO WALLFLOWER
No sooner have we met Judith, this righteous, faithful and wise woman - who has called out the Jewish elders for their lack of faith/putting God to the test, and we see her as a woman of action -PRAYER and action. She had poured out her heart to God praising Him and asking Him to use her to “crush their arrogance” (9:13). She plans on using her God-given gifts of beauty and intellect to her advantage: “make my deceitful words to be their wound and stripe, for they have planned cruel things against your covenant, and against your consecrated house, and against the top of Zion...” (9:13)
We see all of that begin to play out in these two chapters today. Judith gets decked out, marches right into the enemy camp (allowing herself to be “captured”), and infiltrates them with her scheme - telling them she knows that her people are about to be devoured. Being brought to Holofernes she tells them that the Jews are not just in trouble with him, but that they are about to sin against God, eating food that is unlawful for them to eat. God will tell Judith when that has happened, so they will be delivered into Holofernes hands.
The ruse works. But it’s important to remember this is more than some clever scheme on the part of a clever woman. Judith’s whole existence has the Lord God at the core of her being. And arrogant Holofernes doesn’t even realize that. The same one who just a few days earlier we read “Who is god except Nebuchadnezzar??” Responds to Judith (not quite realizing the truth of what he’s about to say): “you are not only beautiful in appearance but wise in speech; and if you do as you have said, your God shall be my God...” (11:23)
Judith reminds us of the power of our God-given abilities when they are utilized for His glory. Most of us are not dealing with threats of an evil empire or one of its leaders like Holofernes, yet the reality of spiritual warfare is very real in every one of our lives. May we reflect on how the Lord wants to utilize and use us to advance His kingdom, in no less significant ways than he did with the heroine Judith.

Day 251 Judith and Holofernes

DAY 251: Jeremiah 41-42; Judith 12-14; Proverbs 17: 13-16
FEARLESS
So many people reading the book of Judith for the first time describe it as a thriller or a screenplay for a movie that has you almost on the edge of your seat as you’re reading it. We’ve had some unexpected things that we’ve encountered in 251 days, but how many of you saw this one coming
(SPOILER ALERT- if you haven’t listened or read the text yet and don’t want me to ruin it for you, go do that and then come back... we’ll wait for you  )
I mean, just the title to chapter 13: Judith beheads Holofernes - just seeing or hearing that you know what’s coming, yet it’s still told in such a heart-pounding manner, you can see why this is treasured just as a literary piece.
We know it’s more than that. We’re encountering this heroine who in her day and age was unexpected. The reason Holofernes let his guard down was that she was (sorry for how sexist it reads) an attractive woman, and - (sorry for how ageist it sounds) elderly. He also is arrogant and believes his own lies that tell him that Nebuchadnezzar is a god, blaspheming and ignoring how the true Lord God had already accomplished many historic and legendary things for the Israelites.
But Judith knew the Lord God. And what animates her strength, her plotting, and her, literal execution of this plan was Him. She lets God work through her and He is glorified in saving His people (once again) in an unexpected (once again) way: THE LORD GOD HAS STRUCK HIM DOWN BY THE HAND OF A WOMAN (13: 15)
The takeaway for me is to see how creatively awesome our God is. Whatever the obstacle, He has a way. Whatever the threat, He has someone waiting in the wings to help overcome it... Mighty Egyptian forces, the raging Red sea, a Giant named Goliath, and now these threatening forces.
All of this helps animate our understanding of how that story continues in new and definitive ways in the New Testament. There will be another woman who will be faithful and righteous before the Lord God who will be a pivotal, central figure in the final showdown between evil, sin, and death (whose birthday, providentially, we celebrate today!) God, when she consents to His call, will overshadow the Blessed Virgin Mary - who among many things is an example of how God “raises up the lowly” and because of what God is able to work through her, “all generations call her Blessed.” May all His Holy Women, pray for us that we too will be fearless in listening and responding to His will.

Day 252 Queen of Heaven

DAY 252: Jeremiah 43-44; Judith 15-16; Proverbs 17: 17-20
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED
As we come to the end of our time with Judith, as I mentioned when we began, there’s a lot of dispute as to whether this is historical in nature - or if it should be considered as more of a parable/story meant to convey moral lessons to the listeners/readers - similar to some scholars theories of the book of Job. If that’s the case, I’m sure Judith’s story is more appealing than Job's. For one thing, it’s shorter! For the other, who doesn’t love a story where the bad guy loses and the good guy wins - or rather, the good lady wins.
But we know it’s much more than that.
For people who were struggling with a complicated and changing world, where following God’s law and Jewish tradition was increasingly difficult (if not at times impossible) the temptation to succumb to the conventional wisdom of the day was growing intense for the people and harder to resist. That was why the whole lengthy introduction was important to set the stage. We heard of the dastardly deeds of the ogre Holofernes serving the king (and false god) Nebuchadnezzar. The peoples of the world were enamored and falling into disbelief, fear, and surrender to mere earthly power, a very mortal king. The faithful remnant was surrounded and their prospects were indeed bleak. Their only source of safety and protection had sustained them, but as that flicker of light faded, they were buckling and preparing to cave if God didn’t show up.
But He did... through Judith. While she’s an Old Testament warrior-heroine and brave, wise, and scheming in her own right -her secret wasn’t anything new or extraordinary. It was being faithful in every sense of the word. By following the law, the commandments, and the traditions that had been passed down. By doing those things with sincerity and fervor. By her unwavering belief that God would provide the relief necessary as long as they remained single-minded and with conviction in their hearts. Which she demonstrates for the people in dramatic fashion.
With that, for those of us who feel overwhelmed by the seeming whack-a-mole deluge of examples of evil we see in the world (one gets knocked down and three new things pop up), Judith leaves us with her song of triumph... in which she praises God: he who fears the Lord shall be great forever.

Day 253 Lamentations of Jeremiah

DAY 253: Jeremiah 45-46; Lamentations 1; Proverbs 17: 21-28
SUFFERING
As Fr Mike had indicated in one of his podcasts, we are going to be entering into the Book of Lamentations today. It’s an intense book focused on the tremendous suffering of the Jewish people first in being exiled, and then in the devastation of Jerusalem. Again we need to try to understand why this was such an ordeal.

Imagine that the only Catholic Church in the entire world - which had Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist reserved - was at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. There might be schools and “holy places” but that was the only church, the only place where Mass and true worship took place. Now imagine hearing it was desecrated, and demolished in truly horrific fashion... including just vile and evil things being done to people and children.
Now you get the idea of why this was such a traumatic experience for the Jewish people. With the additional reality that this was the result of their unfaithfulness. We will see and hear now why Jeremiah is known as the “weepy prophet” - for good reason.
There’s a temptation to want to “skip” this book (among a few others I would imagine), but it’s important to not look away. Suffering is something that is unavoidable in this life. And every one of us can recall times, and seasons that testify to the truth of that. And so this scripture opens us to that reality once again. But not to commiserate in misery. Lamentations remind us that suffering is a book in the Bible but will not be the final word for the Lord God. It’s our decision whether that’s true for us as well.

Day 254 Judgment of Nations

DAY 254: Jeremiah 47-48; Lamentations 2; Proverbs 18: 1-4
WORKING THROUGH GRIEF
Chapter 2 of lamentations is disconcerting to read. Right out of the gate we hear “the Lord in his anger” and then proceed to hear verses of devastation that have befallen the people. “The Lord has become like an enemy, he has destroyed Israel...” (Lamentations 2: 5) It seems so opposite to the image of God that many want to focus and emphasize “God is love” (1 John 4: 7)
Reading this chapter simply on its own would be problematic for sure, but for those of us on this biblical journey together, we recognize there’s not a contradiction here. Any of us who have loved another know that. Loving another person sometimes is precisely why we get angry - angry when they are hurt at the cause of their pain... angry when they are not living up to their potential... angry when they do not seem caring or responsive to the love being so generously offered.
Jeremiah is attributing all the awful things that are happening as God’s vengeance coming down upon them. And indeed, God has been warning and warning and warning His people not to listen to false prophets, to repent, and to return to Him. Seeing the indifference, the hardened hearts, the turning away... Seeing their choosing to go it alone, basically putting their identity, their heritage up for grabs - all of that hurts God. Being done by ones He loved, how could God not be angry?
But again, it’s a good reminder that we’re not reading this chapter simply on its own. Lamentations is important for us to read as if we were walking through stages of grief. Processing through this time of destruction, guilt, shame, and suffering of people through the eyes of the righteous one, Jeremiah.

Here he’s at one of his lowest points seeing all that’s taking place. But he does so with a conviction of faith, that allows his tears to continue to flow, trusting that the one who loved first, who is love, will not forget them, or ignore them when they cry.

Day 255 God is Good

DAY 255: Jeremiah 49-50; Lamentations 3; Proverbs 18: 5-8
NEW EVERY MORNING
As the Anniversary of the September 11th attacks was commemorated yesterday, the weight of grief and emotion was especially palpable from where I’m sitting and writing. Looking out the window is a clear view of the skyline of New York City which is only about 15 miles away. Watching the memorial from my living room, with the solemnity that has marked this day each year - the reading of the almost 3,000 names of loved ones who perished that day by family members affected me more than I anticipated.

One of the most haunting and moving tributes is the “towers of light” - these twin beams that pierce the night sky starting at sunset on September 11th each year. I’m grateful that they’ve kept this jarring tradition each year. The way those beams of light demand attention, the way they disorient the “new normal” of the NYC skyline. It’s important to remember those who died - those who suffered - those still suffering - at the hands of cowardly, evil men. It’s important to recall the effects that hatred and sin can visit upon innocent people. They’re painful to look at remembering all of that - and it brings back a lot of emotions and memories that over two decades have not erased.

But something that's beautiful about them is that we don’t ever see them “go off.” They fade into the dawning of the new day every September 12th. That’s what came to mind in reading Chapter 3 of Lamentations.

While the book is a poetic expression of when our ancestors in faith because of evil, and sin, had been left to face devastation, loss of life, and inexpressible horrors - Jeremiah remains rooted in confidence in God’s providential care. Right there in the midst of those realities, He shares that faith with the people of his time - and to us, thousands of years later. And whenever we’re going through our own times of grief and sadness I hope his words are a comfort to you as the morning sky wipes the towers of light away for me today:
The steadfast love of the Lord, never ceases,
his mercies never end:
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3: 22-23)

Day 256 Hard Seasons

DAY 256: Jeremiah 51; Lamentations 4-5; Proverbs 18: 9-12
BABYLONIAN ARROGANCE
As believers, we know that everything is a gift from God. Everything - from the roof that covers us, the chair we’re sitting in, to the clothes we’re wearing... yes we work, we’re paid and we can purchase those things. So there’s more of a collaborative aspect to those gifts/possessions that makes it a bit removed sometimes from our sense of awareness of God’s providence and our need for gratitude.
But what about the very breath we breathe? The life we live? The very basics that are essential to our existence which is purely a gift? That’s why this line stood out in the final chapter of Lamentations: “we must pay for the water we drink...” (Lamentations 5:4) I’m imagining how this could have been the line that pulled on God’s heartstrings - seeing how the arrogance of the captors of the Chosen People are now commandeering something so essential to creation, water, and now are charging His people for it.
While God ultimately respects the gift of freedom He’s given us, and the effects of our choices, being the ultimate of Good Fathers, there’s a moment when Dad steps in and says “that’s enough.” The time for lamenting will end, the people’s cries and repentance will be heard and the Babylonians who have had no care or concern for the Lord God will discover they’ve gone too far.

Day 257 Choose to Love

DAY 257: Jeremiah 52; Obidiah; Proverbs 18: 13-16
SHORT, AND IN THE END, SWEET...
One of the shortest of prophecies (especially compared to Jeremiah who we finish today), Obadiah gets one day with basically one chapter. Coming from the 6th Century Before Christ, Obadiah might be called the most minor of minor prophets... few would have ever recognized his name. In fact, he’s one of the few who didn’t even make it into the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
Not to get too lost into the Scriptural theological weeds here, but Obadiah is unique in a few areas. He’s a prophet who doesn’t have any prophetic words for God’s Chosen People specifically - but for one of Israel’s “enemies” - their neighbors the Edomites. There’s a sense of long-sibling rivalry (thousands of years actually, since this is traced back to Genesis) - where the twins Jacob and Esau were fighting from birth (Genesis 25) - Jacob is the family lineage of Israel while Esau is the lineage of the Edomites. The Edomites have been fierce rivals to the Jewish people throughout history, and when the kingdoms of Israel and then Judah ends up taken into exile, suffice it to say, the Edomites were a little too celebratory - hence this prophetic judgment against them.
The key though is found in the very last line. After 20 verses basically taking them to task and telling them that “their worlds will collapse” - a world that based on that type of malevolence needed to collapse - the final verse talks about how eventually, the Chosen People will rule the people of Edom. Yet they will not be getting even, returning evil for evil. The chosen people, humbled and chastened by their own failures will be united with the Edomites as “the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Again, foreshadowings of the day of the Lord that the people cannot comprehend or even conceive of yet.

This singular verse is the perfect transition to tomorrow, our next Messianic Checkpoint with the Gospel of Matthew.

Day 258 The Kingdom is Here

MESSIANIC CHECKPOINT #3: GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
DAY 258: Matthew 1-4; Proverbs 18: 17-20
FULFILLED
Don’t know how everyone else feels, but to me, these Messianic Checkpoints come at the perfect time! Nothing against Jeremiah, our (understandably) weepy prophet - but after 52 chapters of that over the last month or so - I’m ready for a break! And jumping back into the New Testament with our week with the Gospel of St. Matthew seems a great way to do that.
You might remember that for St. Mark, we had discussed if you wanted to reduce the Gospel he authored to a word it would have been “immediately.” For St. Matthew, the word could be “fulfilled.” Matthew is writing from the vantage point of explaining how Jesus fulfills the entirety of the Old Testament. You get that from the opening words of it which greets us with one of our favorite things we’ve encountered in our biblical journey another genealogy! But thankfully having encountered them several times so far, we’re aware of their importance. How they connect all humanity into God’s very story of creation and in His story of re-creation: salvation.

Even more, in this genealogy - we recognize one of the beautiful aspects of the mystery of the incarnation, God becoming Man, through a human family. And not just in the Holy Family of Joseph and Mary, but the dysfunctional, broken family of King David. As we hear all those different names (which hopefully are ringing some bells for us) we know all too well how broken and dysfunctional this truly is!
But in the “fullness of time” - God enters into that mess, that brokenness, that dysfunction. And initially, some might have been scandalized that His very presence doesn’t immediately “fix” everything. His birth (which might have surprised you, is covered very quickly here as we move from Christmas right to Epiphany in one verse!) Is immediately seen as a threat to the world and its worldly powers and influences - whether it’s in the threats of Herod, or the devil himself attempting to tempt Jesus as He prepares to begin His mission.
From the beginning, Matthew is making it clear, that Jesus intends on confronting every element of evil that we encounter by experiencing it Himself: Whether it’s the fears of responding to God’s call (like we see St. Joseph contending with) – the governmental powers being so threatened by the very thought of this infant king that they respond with murderous, genocidal rage – the internal temptations every human being faces for power, authority and fame – God doesn’t just know it all, in Jesus, He enters into it... and conquers them, face to face. He will fulfill all God’s promises and show us how to experience the triumph that comes from that ourselves - by our following Him.
Day 259 The Sermon on the Mount

DAY 259: Matthew 5-7; Proverbs 18: 21-24

BLESSED ARE YOU
How did these chapters of the Gospel of Matthew hit you today? More than likely all of these passages are very familiar - the Beatitudes come up in the lectionary (readings at Mass) relatively often, the sections on almsgiving, prayer, and fasting is our scripture for Ash Wednesday every year, and the verses that close out our reading today from Chapter 7 are some of the most quoted (Ask, Seek, Knock; Narrow gate) in how to live the Christian life.
But my curiosity stems from the reality of this being one long teaching. How many knew that this was a single, very loaded teaching? How hard is it to absorb all that Jesus is teaching?

One of the gifts, though, coming from our time together - as we’ve struggled with lengthy prophetic messages and proclamations, is imagining as a Jew hearing this for the first time. And continuing on what was mentioned yesterday Matthew’s focus on Jesus being “fulfillment” for the people.
These chapters aren’t breaking new ground regarding what we’ve heard in the previous 258 days. In fact, if you have your bibles, you will see notations on the bottom that point to other places in the bible where you can see references to what Jesus is teaching (and this isn’t an exhaustive list)
What is new is Jesus directing all of this to the individual. Yes elements of this this that could be heard and understood as being meant to a collective body, but there’s a directness of these teachings being personalized - I say to the one... do not let your right hand...blessed are you...
This is what is meant when we’ve said how in God becoming Man, in Jesus, God draws ever closer to humanity - to us... to me and you individually. Telling us He sees, knows, and loves us. He understands the complexities and difficulties of life as He walks among us. And is calling us to holiness - by reaching out and inviting us into a personal relationship with us.
As you listen (or read) these chapters, put yourself there at the feet of Jesus. Imagine Him speaking directly to you. Because He is.

Day 260 Carrying the Cross

DAY 260: Matthew 8-10; Proverbs 19: 1-4
BACK TO EDEN
Yesterday I kind of put out that question of how did the entirety of Jesus’ teaching, which for the most part we’re used to hearing scriptural excerpts of rather than as a whole hit you. Today I found myself kind of blown away just reading these three chapters.
How many miracles took place in Matthew’s recounting of them? Just a quick summary: Heals a Leper; Heals a Centurions Servant; Heals Peter’s Mother in law (and many others) at Peter’s house; calms the storm at sea; exorcizes a demon; heals a paralytic; cures a woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years; and then raises a little girl from death to life.
That’s quite a list. And interestingly in the midst of this, when the disciples experience a miracle themselves with the storm at sea, they ask “what sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” You might answer, the same one who did all the other amazing things recounted here 
Or more seriously (and accurately) God Himself. That question is a bit deeper than just a reflection on that specific miracle at that particular moment. They’re recognizing Jesus didn’t just do something to get them out of that jam. THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM. That’s going back to chapter 1. Not of Matthew of Genesis. They’re starting to see how limited their thoughts that Jesus is the Messiah, and their declarations of “you are the Christ” - have been.
This point is repeated with Jesus speaking to the scribes in chapter 9 with the healing of the paralytic “that you may know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive.” For the scribes, that claim was more shocking than seeing this paralytic walk.
Yet the entirety of these chapters has me not only seeing Jesus as God Himself but the sense of bringing healing to the world... recreating His creation... Glimmers, glimpses of a return to the perfection of the Garden of Eden before the fall - where sickness, strife, brokenness didn’t exist. The powers of darkness are still at war, as we hear Jesus prepare his disciples for in Chapter 10 (and as we can testify in numerous demonstrable ways that make up books and chapters of our own) But we’re not to fixate or angst about those things. As we find ourselves in our own boats, the winds crushing us down and being swamped by the waves, Jesus asks “Why are you afraid, O men (and women) of little faith?

Day 261 Ornate Souls

DAY 261: Matthew 11-13; Proverbs 19: 5-8
UNFORGIVABLE SIN
Couched in between chapters filled with teachings, healings, exorcisms, and some parables comes a few lines that have caused much discussion and intrigue for scholars and believers alike. Which makes sense when you think about it. Jesus, the incarnation of Mercy, speaking about an “unforgivable sin” would most definitely raise catch people’s attention and end up on their radar. What is it that could be so awful that the deep, bottomless ocean of forgiveness we’ve come to expect from Jesus would seem to run dry?
The key to understanding these two verses (Matt 12: 31-32) is the entire context happening here. Just a few verses earlier (24) the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by demonic power. The illogic, the hardness of mind and heart to twist an obvious act of God into the complete opposite demonstrates a willful opposition to the Holy Spirit. This “blasphemy” can be seen when people feel entitled to remain in sin when they refuse opportunities to convert. It’s the murderer on the death bed saying to the priest who’s come to offer him last rites and an opportunity to go to confession “God will never forgive me.” The reason it’s “unforgivable” is because God is honoring His gift of freedom to humanity.
It seems ludicrous to consider. But as we are living in a world that’s grown indifferent and more hostile to God, it’s a frightening proposition to consider - those who are mocking and openly rejecting Him in very public and outrageous ways. A year ago Harvard University elected as its “chaplain” an avowed atheist. Much discussion has been had and much ink has been spilled by this as it seemed designed to mock Christians and anyone who is religious (since a “chaplain” by definition is someone who believes in God). But for our reading, listening, and praying with the word of God, it’s a reminder of the importance for us to pray for this individual and the troubled, misguided souls encouraging this type of “forward thinking” - that their hearts will be softened and opened to see the error of their ways. That they will experience true conversion so that the ocean of Jesus’ mercy that we place our hope in, can be theirs as well.

Day 262 Miracle  Worker

DAY 262: Matthew 14-17; Proverbs 19: 9-12
WHY DID YOU DOUBT
Jesus walking on the sea has always fascinated me. Once again the disciples are in the boat, by themselves at night (this time without Jesus onboard asleep!). Once again the waves, and the wind start to pick up - but this time instead of them being afraid of capsizing, it’s Jesus walking to them on the sea that the Gospel describes as “terrified” them. Despite Jesus’ identifying himself and telling them to have no fear, they still do.
What’s interesting to me is that the last time they were in a similar position doesn’t prevent those fears from re-emerging. In both experiences, Jesus is present to them. In both experiences, they are aware of His presence and want Him to do something. But when it’s not what they expected, they seem even more confused. The first time they’re frustrated Jesus is soundly sleeping and not freaking out like they are. This time they think He’s a ghost. Even in this instance where Jesus answers Peter’s request in the way he asks (demands?) “let me walk on the water” - that’s not enough to cure his disbelief.
This points to the reality that our faith, our hope, and our love for Jesus have to be found in something more than miraculous experiences. It has to come from our recognition of who He is - God Himself; it has to come from our recognition of His presence right there in the storms of our lives; it has to be grounded in trust that He desires us to experience the fullness of life through Him both now and forever... That will only come, the fears will only truly recede when I surrender myself to Him. Yes, He’s the one who commands the winds and the seas, but He patiently waits for us to allow Him to command our hearts and souls.

Day 263 The Father's Generosity

DAY 263: Matthew 18-21; Proverbs 19: 13-16
THE LOST SHEEP
Of all the parables and images that Jesus uses to describe His mission, His vision, one of the most endearing and popular is of the Good Shepherd, who “lays down his life for His sheep.” It’s understandable why such a beautiful and comforting image of protection and selflessness has resonated even beyond farmlands to people of every day and age.
One of those parables growing out of that imagery is “the parable of the Lost sheep” which we hear about in Matthew chapter 18. It hit me how just doing this Bible in a Year and immersing ourselves on a daily basis with Scripture (primarily the Old Testament) encountering this parable today, how this story speaks on so many levels.
We’re probably familiar with the idea of it being a sinner, someone who has been rejected and isolated and feels God has forgotten them. Today was the first time I imagined “the sheep” being the people of God as a collective group - the Lost sheep being “Israel.” Remember ing the lengths that God has gone to search, to find, to rescue this one sheep - now being fulfilled in Jesus. As the drum beats of the Passion and Crucifixion grow louder, praying with this passage only heightens the impact of the passage.
I remember years ago in college, probably the first time I had to seriously study and discuss this in an academic setting, having a freedom to really think and talk about things in a different way. Up until then I would have been hesitant to even remotely sound critical of anything Jesus said. But with a faithful Catholic priest as our professor I remember saying “this does seem weird. You leave 99 for one? Is that something Shepherds would’ve actually done? I mean doesn’t that put the other 99 in jeopardy? Wouldn’t most Shepherds kind of “cut their losses” and just protect the 99 he has left?”
My professor smiled, realizing I just threw a baseball straight over the plate for him, as he said “well that’s what makes Him a Good Shepherd... He knows His sheep - and He loves them... He’s worried about them all, but can’t stop worrying if the lost sheep is hurt, or frightened, is he being tracked by a wolf? He has to find His lost sheep. You’re right - there are others who would just focus on the 99... In the views of the world, it doesn’t make sense to leave the 99 in search of the one. Until you realize, that Jesus is talking about you. You are the one He is searching after, worried about, caring for... You are the one He will lay down His life for. That’s what makes Jesus not just a Good Shepherd, but our Good Shepherd.

Day 264 Preaching Without Practice

DAY 264: Matthew 22-24; Proverbs 19: 17-20
BELIEVING IN GOD
If you’re reading along in the Great Adventure Bible with these daily readings, you’ve encountered how the words of Jesus are highlighted by being printed in red ink. Well, in these three chapters there’s a lot of red ink. So there’s a lot to possibly choose from. But one section that stood out for me was Chapter 22: 29-33. This is probably not a section that gets highlighted a lot. Jesus is addressing the Sadducees, a sect of Jews that arose in the 2nd Century BC and dissolved within decades of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. They had risen to influence in that short period of time becoming both political and religious leaders, many of whom were priests as well.
What makes them really stand out, somewhat shockingly though, is that they didn’t believe in any afterlife or resurrection of the dead. It’s almost as if they are coming at their perspective of being Jewish strictly from a cultural, societal perspective. Embracing traditions (like honoring the high holy days) but not believing in anything spiritual behind those traditions. That’s their mentality when they’re coming at Jesus from that perspective with their question of the unfortunate bride who marries 7 brothers in succession as each previous brother dies. Jesus not surprisingly, doesn’t mince words with them. He dismisses the hypothetical question by pointing out how “you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
This is one of those times that reading (or listening) to the scriptures can’t quite capture what a stir this was. Matthew describes the crowd as being “astonished.” Jesus has addressed the elephant in the room. By saying they “don’t know” it’s not that they’re unfamiliar with the religious texts that have been passed down for centuries - it’s more they don’t believe... in the scriptures, and even more tragically - the power of God.
It’s uncomfortable to consider these Jewish authorities, these leaders not believing... What made me stop and zero in on this is the reality that it’s probably even more uncomfortable for us to consider that there could be some of our own religious authorities and leaders - clergy or lay - falling into that same category. This isn’t to scandalize anyone - when we just look at some of the horrendous abuses to children that have taken place in the Church... you have to imagine that they “know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
This scene sets the stage for Jesus to definitively lay down “the First Commandment.” For the Jews who over the entirety of the development of the Torah had amassed 600+ “laws” this was an ongoing theological debate among Rabbis. Asking them “what was the most important thing for the Jews to be focused on.” Post-exile, now having their homeland being occupied by a hated enemy force (the Romans) where they were for all intents and purposes as enslaved as they had been under Egypt - those debates could easily drift off in a variety of directions: what was essential for them as a people to survive? Which religious obligations were non-negotiable? How to negotiate that with this pagan empire? How they are being occupied/in some ways cooperating impacted their purity laws?
Jesus cuts through all of that by calling them back to what’s most essential: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Nothing matters - within the religious practice, within life itself - if God is not at the heart of it. Another example of the timelessness of scripture: It was true then... as it is now.

Day 265 Sins of Omission

DAY 265: Matthew 25-26 ; Proverbs 19: 21-24
WHAT IS JESUS WORTH TO YOU
Here’s a challenging question to reflect on: What is Jesus worth to you?
As the Cross looms in the near future for Jesus, Matthew seems to be drawing attention to that question by highlighting some of the answers from the people of Jesus' day and age:
For the chief priests, elders - He was worth nothing, as they conspired together to have Him killed...
For Judas, He was worth thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26: 15) comparable to 4 months' salary...
For the other apostles and followers - He was worth leaving their lives behind and following Him, but the depth of that commitment was about to be tested.
For this one anonymous woman, Jesus is worth an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment (Matt 26:7) It’s a curious episode, isn’t it? In the midst of all these other “estimations” of the worth of Jesus, the details that we have and we don’t. We know this happens at the house of Simon the leper - but we don’t know her name. The gesture itself is profoundly moving and intimate - it’s a gesture of kindness, sincerity, and love. This nameless woman demonstrates an incredible sense of attention and compassion for what’s about to happen to Jesus.
Meanwhile, the disciples whom Jesus loves and who He’s said multiple times what’s about to happen to Him continue to seem oblivious (well intentionally or not) as they dismiss her act. Calling it a “waste.” Here she has possibly offered all that she had left of value to Jesus and for a moment is feeling judged as foolish.
But not to Jesus. As the oil dripped from his face, as the fragrance from the ointment filled the room, He purposefully stops the conversation dead in its tracks. She may remain an unknown figure to us, but Jesus says “wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
This one act of unabashed selfless, generous love is forever captured in our scriptures. This hidden disciple highlights that when we reflect on what Jesus is worth to us when we bring all that we have and offer it to Him, it is seen, it is received, it is remembered.

Day 266 Son of the Father

DAY 266: Matthew 27-28 ; Proverbs 19: 25-29
GO TO GALILEE
At some point during this Bible Journey, we discussed how while we obviously find similarities and overlaps in the Gospels in sharing the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, each of the Gospels has its own, in a sense, “character.” Hopefully, you’ve been able to appreciate and pick that out for yourself. John, “the beloved disciple” writing his Gospel the last, had more time for reflection in composing his chapters... Mark is thought to have been St. Peter’s “assistant” and his writings almost sound like him recounting Peter’s testimonies and sermons about Jesus. You could’ve picked some of those traits in how they recount the Resurrection. John lets us know that he outran Peter to the empty tomb (but waited outside and let him enter first, respecting Peter’s being named the first Pope by Jesus Himself) before sharing some details of encounters that occurred in the 40 days that followed Jesus’ resurrection. For Mark/Peter the empty tomb is evidence enough of this unprecedented event in the history of humanity - Jesus being raised from the dead. The Gospel of Mark kind of ends suddenly wanting us to long for more information - which is intentional. We encounter the risen Christ through the preaching, through the activity of the Church commissioned by Jesus Himself.
For Matthew, the line that stands out and, to be honest with you all, can move me to tears is the Risen Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene. “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Think about what’s happening here. The betrayals, the failures that preceded the Passion, the torture, and the death of Jesus have utterly devastated his apostles and His disciples. Their hearts and minds have been completely wrecked by all that’s happened. So what does Jesus instruct them to do? How are they going to be prepared to encounter Him in His glorious, resurrected body?
They have to go back to the beginning. To Galilee. Where there was that dividing line for them of “before” and “after” they first met Jesus. The place where fishermen became fishers of men. Where a tax collector named Matthew the voice of the Lord called him by name to let go of the riches, comfort, and security he had as a tool of the Roman empire manipulating this “traitor to the Jews” which was also a life of isolation, of brokenness he was living - to let all of that go and follow Him. To return to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry - the preaching, the teaching, the miracles. Go to Galilee - remember where you first met Jesus, you first experienced the love that knew you before you were born and completely changed your life. Go there and you can see the Cross, the Resurrection, everything in this new light, new life. A new life that they too will receive that will make them fearless. Do not be afraid.
In a sense, Matthew ends his gospel with the charge for each of us to return to the beginning as well. For each of us to “go to Galilee” as well. What are some of those momentous times of encounter where Jesus upended your life? That you can see a dividing line of “before” and “after.” How is He calling you to not be afraid, to remember how He saw you and called you by name - and How the Risen Jesus Christ is saying right now, I am here with you - see me.

Day 267 Indifference and Apathy

XII: THE RETURN
DAY 267: Ezra 1 & 2; Haggai 1 & 2; Proverbs 20: 1-3
RETURN
Today we jump back into the Old Testament with a new time period called “The Return.” The title itself sounds hopeful. After chronicling a people in decline throughout the exile, a period of devastation spiritually and emotionally as they were removed from their homeland, from the promised land (because of their sinfulness) - and then learning how their capital had been pummeled and was central to them, the holiest of places on earth, the temple had been battered into a mound of rubble, they were the epitome of “rock bottom.”
We begin this period with two books - Ezra, a historical book, and Haggai another minor prophet. They will both recount in different ways the importance of shaking off the understandable fog of depression that had gripped the people to hear the call to “return.” And what’s first on their list of things to do? God’s people need to return their hearts, minds, souls, and bodies to God. Which is done with true worship... Which for them means they need to rebuild the temple. Not because God needed the building Himself. He’s proven quite capable of dwelling among His people in far less lofty settings (remember that tent in the wilderness???)
The Word of the Lord spoken through Haggai asks them: Consider how you have fared... It’s a moment of reflection. How have they fared in losing the temple? How have things gone with the neglect of true worship which led to losing the temple? God, through Haggai, is leading them to realize they need the temple. They need the structure of the building. They need the act of building to reorient themselves in worship God: the gathering of materials, the commitment of time and energy in the labor of the project is meant to re-order their hearts and souls. When the people return they are not just relocating, not just rebuilding, but through all these things return to the Lord - they will once again be living in the promise of God’s covenant who says to them, once again I have chosen you (Haggai 2: 23)

Day 268 Rebuilding the Temple

DAY 268: Ezra 3 & 4; Zechariah 1-3; Proverbs 20: 4-7
MORE THAN BUILDING
The prophet Zechariah, who was a contemporary of Haggai, was also speaking God’s word to His people about the importance of coming out of exile, returning to the Holy Land, of rebuilding the temple. These weren’t just exterior things to accomplish, physical relocations to make. Zechariah underscores the added responsibility, call - they need to do those things spiritually, and internally as well. As Jeff Cavins and Fr. Mike had pointed out in their introduction to this section “Return” on the podcast the other day, some had gotten comfortable with their lot. They had accepted “exile”, and “made the best of it.” For some that would mean they wouldn’t return from exile for some time. For some that did, they would still continue some of their selfish/self-centered pursuits and actions that had first put them in exile and that they had continued once there.
Zechariah gives voice to God’s pleading. Yes, it’s time to return, to rebuild - but not acting like this was some unfortunate thing that happened and we’re just going to come back, restore things and resume life before the exile. This return is meant to be far deeper and more profound. It’s a return to their promises as people of the covenant. “....Return from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” (Zechariah 1: 4)
It’s reminiscent of the calls we hear time and time again with the ongoing call to conversion. It’s more than just getting to Mass on Sunday, making a good confession at least once a year where we can check these things off as “done.” Those things are meant to trigger deeper, interior reflection, and ultimately a more personal and intimate relationship with the Lord.

Day 269 The Day of Small Things

DAY 269: Ezra 5 & 6; Zechariah 4-6 ; Proverbs 20: 4-7
LORD OF HOSTS
One of the things that are essential for the people in their return, in their rebuilding is their reminder that God is not asking them to accomplish things on their own, through their own strength, by their own designs or plans (in short, that’s what had gotten them into trouble in the first place). It has to begin by acknowledging their relationship with the Lord God. It has to come about through their listening, and attentiveness to His word. It has to be accomplished through their obedience to His direction.
For the people who had been lost and in exile for so long, this is essential. They have quite a lot of work to do. The tasks had to have been overwhelming, and no doubt that gave life to the temptation that some of them could not resist: let’s just stay in exile. Zechariah converses with an angel who shows him visions. We hear reference to “the Lord of Hosts” which is another way of saying the Lord of angelic armies, of infinite resources. How infinite? This insurmountable mountain will become the cornerstone for the House of the Lord.
As Jeff Cavens mentioned the other day in the intro to “The Return” - one of the reasons we’re called to listen to these scriptures is to hear these reminders ourselves. To recognize that whatever mountains seem to be impossible to overcome obstacles in our own lives, the Lord of Hosts is waiting for us to cry out to Him for His help.

Day 270 God's Favor with Ezra

DAY 270: Ezra 7 & 8; Zechariah 7-8; Proverbs 20: 8-11
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
A few years ago, when videos were first said to be going “viral” - one that considered a great deal of attention was this guy saying “Why I hate religion but love Jesus.” While -as you would imagine with a you-tube video - this individual does massive generalizations that are ignorant or misinformed about a lot of things, there’s a reason it went viral. There have been examples and there continue to be where people get lost in certain practices and forget the meaning behind them.
We see something similar in Zechariah 7 today. Two years into the rebuilding campaign and things are starting to get re-established in terms of right worship, this delegation arrives to ask if they should continue doing what they had been doing for many years. These fasts that they had been following while in exile that recalled key days when Jerusalem had been sacked and the temple had been burned. This had become a ritual for the remnant that had chosen to remain faithful to God - a time of mourning, repenting, of remembering.
But now that they’re returning and rebuilding - some of them still want to continue to fast. They had gotten so attached to that particular ritual that they were missing what God was doing for them right then and there. How He was calling them home. This was a new time and a new day, and they were clinging on to some of the lower points of their history and the understandable sadness that went along with them. Worse than that, there was this sense that those who didn’t were the unfaithful ones.
The prophet speaks some pretty direct words. Religious practices, especially something like fasting are important. But not for God - for us. When they remind us of who God is. When they help us disconnect from the things of this world that distract us from Him and reorient ourselves to true worship, a faithful relationship with Him.

Day 271 Israel's Foreign Wives

DAY 271: Ezra 9 & 10 ; Zechariah 9-11; Proverbs 20: 16-19
ASK
With chapters 9 through 14 in Zechariah, we encounter quite a shift in perspectives and focus. Up till now, we were reading these prophetic visions that had these angelic guides to help us to understand and navigate the restoration of Jerusalem and the people. Now we shift to the “coming of the King.” In this, we see some of the clearest messianic prophecies of the first coming of Jesus in Chapter 9, verse 9:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey
with this prophecy of the second coming of Jesus in the very next verse:
I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
These chapters will not be short in us finding a lot of connections that we know to be fulfilled in Jesus. But one of the things that stood out in the midst of all these theological and historical nuggets was the opening of Chapter 10 of Zechariah. One word: ASK. In this very poetic chapter, we hear the Lord inviting His people to ASK. God is pushing those who first received this prophetic word to believe in this “return,” to believe that restoration was possible, to believe in what He wanted to accomplish - saving from enemies and prosperity in their going home to the land of promise. As we’ve recounted elsewhere, that’s a tall order for people, for generations have suffered so much as a result of so many poor choices. That’s why that one little word - ASK - is so loaded with meaning. It’s a word of Faith. It’s a word of Action. It’s a command given by God - to dare to voice and trust that He will accomplish what He has He would. It is a movement from doubt and despair to hope.
For those of us, on this side of history who know the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ - a Kingdom, a Messiah far greater than any of those first listeners could have ever imagined - we can see the prophet’s voice calling us to a moment of renewal in our daily prayer. Zechariah is saying to me and you - we have far greater reason to believe, to trust, to ask.

Day 272 The Call of Nehemiah

DAY 272: Nehemiah 1 & 2; Zechariah 12-13; Proverbs 20: 20-22
STILL IN EXILE
As Father Mike had mentioned previously, this “new” book we’re starting today, Nehemiah, in the Hebrew Bible is part of a single book of Ezra. I believe it’s only in more modern eras that there was a separation with Ezra dealing with the first two waves of exiles returning from Babylon. Nehemiah picks up with the third wave of exiles returning and overseeing the “rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.”
As we heard through our time with Ezra, physically there’s movement, but in some ways, there are still instances where the people are still in “exile.” Much to Ezra and now to Nehemiah’s chagrin, the heart is slow to learn.
In the grand scheme of biblical characters we’ve met and engaged with so far, these two don’t rate particularly notable. We don’t see or hear of any major dramatic occurrences that mark their leadership. But that’s one of the reasons they are important for us to reflect on. They are passionate, they have immersed themselves with God’s word and want desperately for their fellow Jews to have a Biblical worldview they do to mixed results at best. And they’re frustrated by it. Anyone of you who have friends, relatives, and kids who no longer practice the faith can relate to this (wait till the end of Nehemiah, parents will definitely find him relatable then! )
What we will find - is that it is not just the people themselves who are in exile, but even these well-intentioned, well-meaning, and often very righteous leaders are as well. It’s an important lesson for all of us, especially those trying to “lead” others to God - are we allowing ourselves to be led? How are we humbling ourselves, relying on His grace, His mercy to transform our hearts, and making sure it’s His vision we’re imparting - not our own.

Day 273 The Lord's Work

DAY 273: Nehemiah 3 ; Zechariah 14; Proverbs 20: 23-26
NAYSAYERS
You can never change. You’ve tried before, what makes you think this time will be different? You might start out really well, you usually do, but you know what will happen. You’re not talented enough, strong enough to see it through.
Whether it’s vocalized by someone we know or those or thoughts that swirl in our heads, at some point in our lives we encounter such negativity (and usually they hit every aspect: physical, emotional, and spiritual). Thoughts that undermine our best efforts, our desires to experience something new, something life-giving, some needed change.
It might be of some comfort to know we’re not unique in dealing with such pessimism. We hear that in Nehemiah today. Here this man who has been steeped in prayer is devoted to the Lord God and want’s to fortify the city of Jerusalem once again so that proper worship will be restored, finds himself overwhelmed with negativity. Chapter 4 opens with words from their enemies: What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore things? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish and burned ones at that? (verse 3)
Look at what their enemies are saying. Recognize that THE enemy does the same thing to us. He diminishes...
He sows doubt...
He questions abilities...
He sets unreasonable goals in order to repeat the cycle...
He is living in the past, trying to keep the focus on past failures, setbacks as a way of saying “remember the last time, best not to get your hopes up.”
That’s precisely what our God wants us to do - to get our Hopes up. And one way to do that is by following Nehemiah’s example. He doesn’t engage the enemy. He doesn’t argue with them. He doesn’t even entertain these thoughts. He engages God. He calls out to God, to casting the enemy aside. He’s not denying his feelings - he admits that this has caused grief and pain - and they are in a fragile state to begin with as they are still recovering from the exile.
But at this moment, Nehemiah demonstrates what people of faith are called to do. Too often either we believe these lies or we set out to prove to the enemy he’s wrong. In either case, we’re letting the enemy dictate the terms and we’re playing his game. We have a God who has told us to call out to Him in time of trial. We’re not to wait until the enemy has breached the walls and is coming ever closer to us. The minute we’re aware that he mutters his nonsense at us, we’re to call out and let God fight our battles for us.