(Hg 2:1-9; Ps 43:1-4; Lk 9:18-22)
As Christians, we belong first and foremost to God. However, as we are immersed in modern times, that identity becomes muddled. Weekly, daily, or from moment to moment, our hearts are pulled in one direction and then the other. Our hearts are not just pulled one way or the other but we can become dispirited and even fearful. The readings today give us courage as they remind us that while our modern conflicts may be new to us, they are not new to God.
The readings from the prophet Haggai are extremely relevant to the identity crisis. The setting of this reading is during the time of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. God is addressing the people during a dark time of Israel’s history. In a time when their kingdom was literally divided, they knew of past glory and the present to them held nothing. But the Lord says, “Take courage” and “do not fear” (Haggai 2:4 & Haggai 2:5). In doing so, the Lord reminds His people who they belong to and where to put their trust.
The psalmist in Psalm 43 also lives in a period where his faith is tested by the people around him. They are deceitful and oppressive (Psalm 43:1). He begs God for defense against a faithless people. “Your light and fidelity shall lead me on,” he cries, and declares Him as “The God of my gladness and joy” (Psalm 43:3-4). He sees a faithless and oppressive people and turns resolutely to God.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is removed from being just another wise man, such as John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet. He is finally distinguished by Peter as “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20). It is this same recognition of Peter in Matthew 16:18 which becomes the “rock (on which) I will build my church.” Jesus asked his disciples directly and he asks us “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:18) Our answer is our measure of true peace.
The Lord told the divided kingdom to have courage, not to fear, and “greater will be the future house of glory than the former and in this place I will give you peace” (Haggai 2:1-9) Through Jesus, the Lord’s promise to Haggai is fulfilled. The psalmist’s prayer is answered.
What are our modern troubles compared to the love of God? To believe in Christ is to have hope, to have courage and perhaps even be fearless. Who is Christ to you right now, this moment? Maybe today is a day you can start putting more trust in God and finding the peace that God has promised you.
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My name is Norah Riddle and I live in Indianapolis, Indiana in the USA with my husband of 6 years, Kyle. We are both adult converts to Catholicism and attend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish where I serve on the RCIA team, participate in the Christ Renews His Parish retreats, and other adult faith formation classes and opportunities. I went to George Mason University in VA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. I believe personal experiences are the primary point of conversion, whether as a neophyte to the faith or in the deepening of one’s faith.
