Thus says the LORD:
Let the nations bestir themselves and come up
to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
For there will I sit in judgment
upon all the neighboring nations.
Yesterday we heard Joel's warning to Jerusalem to recognize the locust infestation as the discipline of the Lord. They should turn to the Lord in prayer, and apply themselves to the worship in the temple. Apparently they did so and the pestilence subsided.
He then prophesied reassurance to Jerusalem. Zion would finally be honored by all the nations as the holy city of God. They would come from distances near and far to learn the wisdom and receive the judgment of the One God. Just as hostile nations had once, during the reign of Jehoshaphat, attacked the city and were humiliated, so they would come in peace to be ruled by the Lord of Peace. On that day,
Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations.
In a certain, limited way, the Church saw his words fulfilled in the rapid expansion of belief in Jesus throughout the Roman Empire. Following in the footsteps of our Jewish Prophet/Messiah, the Church invited the nations to join us in the prayer and supplication to the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Today, we come to the new Jerusalem which appears especially in the Mass and sacraments. Even in this secular age, we are amazed at the continuing growth of the Church in Africa, South America, and Asia. Even in post-Christian Europe and North America we discover its vitality as the old stump enjoys new growth. When it seems the Church retains only the loyalty of retired old people, many young people pull out their earbuds and stow their smartphones to worship God in the silence of the Blessed Sacrament.
The best we can know of peace in this world is an uneasy stasis, when warring nations threaten each other with Mutually Assured Destruction, and allow trade and commerce without bloodshed. But suspicions and distrust remain; there are always threats of war.
Because we've never seen it, no one knows what peace will look like. We wait for that day when Joel's promise will be fulfilled:
...on that day,the mountains shall drip new wine,and the hills shall flow with milk;And the channels of Judahshall flow with water:A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD,to water the Valley.....
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.