Thursday, December 19, 2013
Zephaniah 3:14-20
As the Old Testament canon draws to a close a collection
of prophetic voices offer a consistent message. The prophets
call God's people to reflect on how their life patterns and
choices have led and continue to lead them away from being
faithful to God's guidance.
Caught up in their own priorities, God's people
have drifted. The prophets speak out, but are not heard.
The way of life which God's people follow is not that which
nourishes their soul.
Zephaniah, who is named as one of the Minor
Prophets of the Old Testament, offers a condemnation of
both life style and life choices. Yet, as his own message
draws to a close, the last six verses of Chapter Three,
offer sounds of Hope and Joy.
The Day of the Lord will be a moment when God's people
will experience a transformation promised by Zephaniah, when
he says, ( in verse 17 ) "...he will renew you in his love...".
The Year of Renewall in the life of our Diocese, is a
moment in our personal and in our shared life story, when we
have the opportunity to heed the call of the prophets, like
Zephaniah, and examine our own lives. Taking the time to
take seriously the words of the Baptismal Covenant is an
important part of our experience of the Season of Advent.
"Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord ?"
Our response recognizes our own dependence
on the Spirit of God moving in our lives, when we say
with confidence, " I will, with God's help."
I invite you to take a moment and read all three chapters
of the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah with a copy of
the Baptismal service close at hand. Look for the message of
the Prophet and discover the Good News shared in the experience of
Baptism.
May the Season of Advent be a time of personal growth
in your own spiritual journey.
-The Reverend Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt
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