Sunday’s first reading from Zephaniah is the only upbeat prophecy this sixth-century prophet ever made. His preaching describes the day of the Lord’s coming as a day of doom for Jerusalem and all its people who worship other gods. “A day of wrath is that day, a day of anguish and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom.” The funeral hymn Dies Irae takes up this passage.
But in his final verse Zephaniah envisions a remnant of humble, lowly people who take refuge in God. From them God will remove all judgment. They need not fear the day of the Lord’s coming into their midst. For the repentant, the day of God’s coming is joy. Such a remnant has gathered around John the Baptist in Luke’s gospel.
God rejoices over Israel.
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
God has removed the judgment against you and turned away your enemies;
The ruler of Israel, the Holy One,
is in your midst.
You have no more misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion,
be not discouraged!
Your God is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
God will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in love. God will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.
Zephaniah 3.14-18
- How do you open your life to God’s coming?
- What gives you joy?