Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The prophets Hannaniah and Jeremiah represent two types: the prophet of hope and the prophet of doom. The content of Jeremiah’s book is bad news. This is not by choice; in fact he laments he would rather not speak these words but feels compelled by God (cf. Jer. 20:7-9). The Lord chose Jeremiah to live at the time he did: when the northern kingdom who sinned by mixing pagan and right worship were subjugated by a great empire; when Judah, although having externally right worship, in their hearts and everyday living were far from God, and so were exiled and their Temple was destroyed. No wonder the people were so pleased to hear some good news from Hannaniah.
Jeremiah surely must have been jealous of Hannaniah, right? Hannaniah just wanted to give exiled people some hope. What’s wrong with that?
As one who preaches—especially having been a pastor—I can say that it is tempting to gloss over harsh realities. One can be very popular by throwing out softballs. Alternatively, it is also addictive to be a prophet of doom. Zeal and even anger feel righteous and the few who praise your fire are loyal.
What is at issue is not what wins you favor, but rather, what is true. Notice that Jeremiah says he wishes that Hannaniah’s prophecy occurs. With that said, he is unsure of the people’s genuine repentance in order to be ready to receive that gift. Indeed, God’s true word is that the people are not and that Hannaniah gave false confidence to the people – playing on their emotions but not bringing them to conversion.
We see this played out in the famous story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter striking out toward him. Peter’s impulsive zeal impels him. Christ already told the disciples following Him means a cost. Without faith rising to the reality in front of us we are sure to sink. We must measure choices in words and actions based on the God’s truth, well-discerned, rather than on emotion and men’s praise. We judge our decisions according to the truth of Scripture and the example of the saints.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections