Jeremiah’s words in Sunday’s first reading were written for people who had experienced the end of their world. In 587 B.C., the Babylonians demolished the temple in Jerusalem and led the king, princes, priests and many of the people of Judah into exile. A century before, a similar fate had befallen the northern kingdom, called Israel, at the hands of the Assyrians.
Jeremiah is proclaiming both a promise and a warning to the Israelites. God will raise up a king, Jeremiah promises, a righteous shoot or legitimate heir of the good king David, who will govern wisely and do what is just and right in the land. Then shall salvation come to Judah and Israel will dwell in security once again. In the meantime, the prophet warns, beware of the false shepherds who mislead the flock, scatter the sheep, and fail to care for them.
We read this passage at the beginning of Advent. At this point, the liturgy does not look toward the birth of a savior but toward the ultimate end of the world, and the reign of justice that David’s true descendant will initiate.
On the Second Sunday of Advent next week, the liturgical readings and prayers will focus on Jesus’ first coming among us. Christmas celebrates a promise — Jesus’ coming in glory — as well as a gift, Jesus’ birth among us.
Four weeks from now, as we gather around the manger to give thanks for the gift of Jesus, let us consider how we can participate in his mission of bringing peace and justice to earth.
God is our justice.
“The days are coming.” says the Holy One, “when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah will be safe and Jerusalem will dwell secure. This is what people will call her: ‘God is our justice.’”
Jeremiah 33.14-16
- How might our Advent preparations be different if we consider Christmas a feast in anticipation of the return of the bringer of justice?
- What promises has God fulfilled in your life or in human history?