In last week’s reading, Jeremiah looked out at the bleak landscape of Jerusalem, destroyed by the Babylonians, its people mostly in exile, and pointing to a shoot, a little sliver of life, told us to hope. This Sunday, his scribe Baruch describes a glorious restoration when God leads his people home.

The holy city clothed in glory will rise in splendor to welcome her returning children. “Led away on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.”

They have been “remembered by God, ” who levels mountains and valleys for their joyful journey, beneath fragrant trees, “with God’s mercy and justice for company.”

How unrealistic, many listening to the prophet’s vision must have thought!

How unrealistic the gospel reading also seems, as John the Baptist turns towards the desert to welcome “all flesh” to Jerusalem, still in the firm grip of the Romans, Herod’s dynasty and the priestly caste from Jerusalem.

Yet, the prophets speak the truth, even though we see only ruins and what is.  Remember us, O Lord.