Scripture: Jeremiah 29:8-14
The LORD of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: Don’t let the prophets and diviners in your midst mislead you. Don’t pay attention to your dreams. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn’t send them, declares the LORD. The LORD proclaims: When Babylon’s seventy years are up, I will come and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will be present for you, declares the LORD, and I will end your captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have scattered you, and I will bring you home after your long exile, declares the LORD.
Thought for the Day: Though the prophet’s voice was one of divine judgement and sharp criticism, there was always hope. There are always voices claiming to bring a prophetic word, and discerning between true and false prophets is never easy. Yet in the end, the true prophets almost always challenged those in power to live lives of rightness (righteousness) for the sake of others. They did not profit from their message, and often were condemned or even killed. Jesus was drawn to the words of the prophets, and much of what the prophets said could be summarized in the two great commandments: You shall love the Lord your God and you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. Even Matthew notes Jesus saying, “All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands” (Matthew 22:40). God has a plan (a vision or dream) for humanity, and its guiding star is love of the Lord and its path is paved with the love of neighbor.
Prayer: Guide me along your path of righteousness, O Lord of Compassion and Concern. Guide me so that my life is a faithful tool in the work of fulfilling your dream. Amen.
