The name Malachi means my messenger. In Sunday’s first reading, this prophet addresses the priests who lead the Jewish community that has returned from 70 years of exile in Babylon. The time is around 500 B.C. Like Jesus in Sunday’s gospel, Malachi indicts those whose teaching should serve the community. He accuses them of breaking the covenant and treating some with partiality.
These leaders who suffered exile have returned only to make some of their own suffer. Those who endured Babylonian domination have returned to Jerusalem only to experience priestly domination. The leaders’ example gives scandal.
Why do we break faith with one another?
I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations. If you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send a curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; yes, I have already cursed them because you do not lay it to heart.
You have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have made void the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I have made you contemptible and base before all the people. You have not kept my ways but have shown partiality in your decisions.
Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us? Why then do we break faith with each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?
Malachi 1.14; 2.2, 8-10
Shortly after Malachi, the priest and scribe Ezra becomes the teacher of the people who are trying to rebuild the temple and themselves as a community. He teaches these Israelites who grew up in Babylon the story of God’s saving acts on Israel’s behalf. Jewish tradition regards Ezra as a second Moses. With his teaching, the people renew the covenant relationship their ancestors made with God.
- How have you experienced people breaking faith with you?
- How might a renewed awareness that we have one God change our world?