The priests and prophets said to the princes and to all the people, “This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”
Jeremiah gave this answer to the princes and all the people: “It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city all that you have heard.
Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the LORD your God, so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.
By Greek standards, the story of Jeremiah might be called a tragedy, but the tragic figure would be Jerusalem and its people, rather than the prophet. They brought the Babylonian conquest and their diaspora to Asia, Europe, and Africa upon themselves. It might also differ from the tragic tradition because they acted less out of hubris than out of fear.
Fear makes people do stupid things. Recalling the popular responses to several epidemics -- I think especially of Covid and HIV-AIDS, I remember the superstitious fears that created panic, hoarding, unnecessary and pointless costs, and, sometimes death, the very thing they feared most.
These absurd responses to that exaggerated fear were often met by imprudent defiance as many refused a proven vaccine against Covid. They insisted upon their freedom and their right to refuse. (Americans are good at creating fictitious rights when the need arises.) In neither case are they listening to the voice of the Lord their God.
Jesus said to Jairus as the official's daughter was dying, "Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Only minutes before that he had commended an ailing woman who dared to touch his clothing. She was cured by her bold faith.
The scriptures often urge us to respond to fearful situations with faith and prayer. Fear is useless and leads to reckless and irrational responses, not to mention its rudeness! (Of course, fear is good for business as any gun merchant will tell you.)
When we turn to the Lord we set fear aside. We let him take control of the situation since he alone sees the Big Picture; we let him direct our response. In his presence, courtesy prevails, along with patience. If there's little time, there is still time to respect the dignity and intelligence of others.
No one can say what might have happened to Jerusalem had the populace listened to Jeremiah and set aside their fears. There may be a market for "alternate history" but its no more reliable than speculations about intelligent life in an alternate universe. The Christian is called to live courageously in the real world with reasonable prudence, unflappable patience, and resolute respect for others. We can do that when we believe that God is still in charge.
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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.