Lectionary: 400Put not your trust in the deceitful words:
"This is the temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!"
Only if you thoroughly reform your ways and your deeds; if each of you deals justly with his neighbor; if you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place, or follow strange gods to your own harm, will I remain with you in this place, in the land I gave your fathers long ago and forever.
"Once more, with feeling!" the patient conductor urges her chorale.
"Let's all stand up and sing!" the minister begs his congregation.
"If you're as happy as you say you are, let your face know it!" the parent advises the grumpy teenager.
We want people to be sincere whether they're attending religious ceremonies, football games, or Hump Day Wednesday. "C'mon, people, let's see a little life here!"
We might suppose Jeremiah had the same complaint about his neighbors in the temple. They insisted they believed in God's presence in the temple; they dutifully contributed sheep, oxen and turtle doves for the holocausts and sin offerings. But they did so without sincerity, without feeling. They did it pro forma.
But that was not Jeremiah's complaint. He saw that their worship of a just and merciful God did not create a just and merciful people. They might have shouted their alleluias and amens but they still oppressed the resident alien, the orphan and the widow.
Jeremiah might say to Americans today, Put not your trust in the deceitful words:
"This is the American Flag! The American Flag! The American Flag! But If you welcome the alien, shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, care for the sick, educate the ignorant, and care for the least among you, the Lord will remain with you in this place, in the land He gave your fathers long ago and forever.
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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.