Thursday, September 28, 2017
(The first reading for today’s
Mass) The prophet Haggai delivers a
message that we can also take to heart:
Now thus says
the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much but have brought in
little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; you have drunk, but have
not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; and whoever
earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. (Haggai 1:7-8)
How little satisfaction we often
derive from the stuff of life is we do not learn to stop and savor the good
things we are given with gratitude in our hearts! Until we live united with God’s
plan for us we go through the motions with our senses numb and our toil
fruitless----that is until the great and awesome moment comes when our eyes are
opened and we realize that God has something planned for us that will bring us
more joy and satisfaction than we can even imagine before the time of our
conversion.
Haggai’s words bring a few
images to mind: the glutton who no longer tastes or enjoys what he consumes
(consider how often people at a meal will discuss other meals they have
eaten and fail to savor what is on their plates before them.) The drunkard who
sinks into a mire of depressive, miserable and angry thoughts; the fashionista whose fetish for the latest
styles no longer simply dresses for comfort; the consumerist who “spends his
wages for what fails to satisfy” (Isaiah 55:2)
Might I suggest that we consider
those times when we simply skim the surface of life and fail to live
reflectively, devoutly and deeply? Haggai spoke to the people of Israel because
God was calling them to rebuild the temple—a work which would bring Him glory
and also bring meaning into their lives. Perhaps Haggai’s message might prompt
us to make some changes in our lives in accord with what we discern that God
may be calling us to?
God bless you!
No comments:
Post a Comment