Reading 1
Jer 3:14-17
Return, rebellious children, says the LORD,
for I am your Master;
I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan,
and bring you to Zion.
I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart,
who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.
When you multiply and become fruitful in the land,
says the LORD,
They will in those days no longer say,
"The ark of the covenant of the LORD!"
They will no longer think of it, or remember it,
or miss it, or make another.
Gospel
Mt 13:18-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Hear the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom
without understanding it,
and the Evil One comes and steals away
what was sown in his heart.
The seed sown on rocky ground
is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy.
But he has no root and lasts only for a time.
When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,
he immediately falls away.
The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word,
but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word
and it bears no fruit.
But the seed sown on rich soil
is the one who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."
At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD's throne;
there all nations will be gathered together
to honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem,
and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.
Meditation: Jeremiah 3:14-17
“They will call Jerusalem the Lord’s throne.” (Jeremiah 3:17)
Jeremiah’s prophetic call came during the reign of Josiah, a reforming young king. Josiah repaired the Temple, which led to the discovery of the Book of the Law. Newly aware of how his people had broken God’s Law, Josiah tore down pagan altars all over the country. At least for a time, he seemed to be a shepherd “after God’s own heart” (Jeremiah 3:15), so Jeremiah’s early prophecies were full of hope.
The Ark of the Covenant rested at the very heart of the Temple in Jerusalem. It held the Ten Commandments and it represented God’s presence among his people. No matter what happened, the people could always come to the Temple and be sure of encountering God. It’s no wonder they treasured the Ark!
We’re not sure what happened to that ark or when it happened. It was probably destroyed by an invader, and in this passage, Jeremiah speaks as if it is already missing from the Temple. But he looks forward to a day when “they will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another” (Jeremiah 3:16). Why not? Because God will dwell in the midst of his people, enthroned in those who gather to honor his name.
This became especially important to those who were exiled to Babylon a few short years later. Far away from the ruined Temple, they discovered new dimensions to their identity as God’s people. The written word of God, dietary laws, and heartfelt prayer became much more central than they were when everyone could come to Jerusalem and find God in the Temple.
Sometimes we are shaken by alterations in life as we know it. We lose a job and have to move across the country. A loved one dies. A new pastor changes things our parish has “always” done a certain way.
In situations like these, Jeremiah gives good advice. No longer look nostalgically to the past, wishing things could be as they once were. God is doing something new. Enthrone God in the present. Worship him in the midst of his people, and let him move you forward.
“Holy Spirit, you know how difficult change is for me. I know that you are always with me. Help me to trust you and to step forward into the new life you are offering me.”
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