16TH JULY 2022
Reflection
Our reflection will be based on the first reading which is from the book of Prophet Micah chapter 2:1-5.
Micah is one of the 12 minor prophets; called so because of the size of the volume of their books.
Micah condemned the sinfulness of Israel and prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and Samaria, the destruction and then future restoration of the Judean state, and he rebuked the people of Judah for dishonesty and idolatry.
In particular he accuses the people of Israel of these sins
-covetousness and oppression, - fraudulent and violent practices - dealing barbarously, even with women and children, and other harmless people
- Opposition of God's prophets and silencing them
- and delighting in false prophets
For these sins he prophesied punishment but also gave hope of future restoration of Israel. God does not just punish for the sake of it: rather he punishes that the sinful people should be humbled, and impoverished and banished that they may come back to him and enjoy the prosperity, peace and blessedness of a loving Father. Gracious promises of comfort, peace and blessings are reserved for the good people among.
Even today, sin continues to separate is from the love of God. It prevents us from sharing in the peace, joy, happiness, freedom and blessedness of the children of God. As we said last week, we shall not go to hell because we sinned BUT because we rejected God's call/invitation to repent; because we ignored God's desire to forgive us.
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