It is always a tough thing to take an unpopular stand especially when among people you know will not support. Do we shy away from the moment – I mean, why waste time and effort? But what about as a listener? What about when one message is something you agree with or hope for, but the other message is one which warns things aren’t as they seem, you might be in the wrong, and if so, the judgment awaits. Does one message more easily grab your attention? So, you dismiss the message that challenges you?
In the first reading, the historical context is that the power of Babylon to the east looms over the region. The vassal states in the western parts of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire have begun to explore the possibility of a rebellion, probably encouraged by disturbances to the east of Babylon. Jerusalem was the center to which representatives from western states came to enlist the King of Judah’s support. The oracles, seers and prophets in Jerusalem had claimed the Word of the Lord was with them. They were promising the overthrow of Babylon and the return of the exiled King and the exiles together with national treasures which had been taken away some 10 years before. The time seemed ripe for revolt. But it was a brave man who dared to oppose public opinion.
Jeremiah was that man. Previously the Lord has instructed Jeremiah to wear the yoke of a beast of burden. A bit of what we might call “political theater.” The message is two-fold (a) Jeremiah has a message you don’t want to hear, but I have “yoked” him to a hard message of impending judgment and (b) this is the yoke that Babylon will place on your necks.
Jeremiah’s words warn the foreign ambassadors, Zedekiah the king, the Temple priests, and all the people of Jerusalem. The message is consistent: the Lord has spoken, the refugees from the first deportation are not coming back, the sacred vessels taken from the Temple are not coming back. The Lord has spoken.
Now it is for you to decide: do you believe Jeremiah or the prophet Hananiah.
One has the message you don’t want to hear – judgment is coming. One has the message that promises the Lord will not only relent, but will restore the glory of Jerusalem.
As the gospel alleluia proclaims: “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Are you a person that works to discern the Word of God when it appears out there in the world? Like Jeremiah, will you yoke yourself to God’s law? Will you take the unpopular stand?
Image credit: The Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo, fresco on ceiling of Sistine Chapel, Vatican City | Public Domain