“FOR THE SAKE OF THE GLORY OF YOUR NAME, FREE US, O LORD” (Ps 79:9)

⏰Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week of Ordinary Time 1 (06 Oct. 2016)

????Baruch 1:15-22; Ps 79:1-2, 3-5, 8, 9 (R.v.9bc); Luke 10:13-16

It is said that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34).

After the Jews had returned to their land from exile, some of them remained and settled in some of the colonies of the nations of their exile. They, nonetheless, maintained their religious and cultural identity and still gathered in synagogues. The Book of Baruch came from this setting and was meant to correct the godlessness and materialistic tendencies that have begun to be part of the life of their members.

So, as that book was for the Jews, so it is for us today. It calls us to a renewed consciousness about sin and what is sinful, to free ourselves from the idols of our godless culture and to be faithful to the gospel.

Like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, we have received that gospel and have been blessed by it. Unfortunately, most times, we enjoy the blessings without appreciation of their source. We wander very far away from God and in sin, and so bring discredit to the name of God who has made us his own. “In his riches, man lacks wisdom; he is like the beasts that are destroyed” (Ps 49:13).

Can you listen to the voice of Baruch today and renew your faithfulness to God? If you are ready, join the psalmist (Ps 79:1-9) for the mercy of God. We are sure that he shall not refuse us if we come back to him with a sincere heart.

O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your heart (cf. Ps 95:7-8).

Have a blessed and faithful day. Peace be with you.