Hold On To Dreams: The Prophet Haggai

2 Replies
The Prophet Haggai, James Tissot

Not much optimism in our world today. Too many signs of bad days ahead; in fact, are they already here? 

We’re reading in our lectionary this week about the Period of Restoration, when some Jews returned to Judea and Jerusalem to restore Judaism, about 520 BC. Their dreams were fed by prophets like Jeremiah who promised: “Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings: the grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen; they themselves shall be like watered gardens, never again shall they languish.” (Jer. 31)

But their dreams were dashed by what they found, a city in ruins and some of their own people there wanted no part of them. The Prophet Haggai speaks to them:

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people says:“The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.”(Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:) Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the LORD.” (Haggai 1:1-8)

We’re a people too who were promised so much. World wars we fought would bring peace to our country and the world. Science promised a cure for everything and unlimited treasures from technology. I remember the heady days after the Second Vatican Council and the promise of a renewed church. Who expected Covid 19 and Climate Change, a fractious country and church, a world that’s a mess?  

Yet, there’s more than Covid 19 and Climate Change going on in our world. God’s kingdom is coming, being built even now. Not a time for building paneled houses for ourselves. Time to “Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the LORD.” 

We have to hold on to our dreams.

2 thoughts on “Hold On To Dreams: The Prophet Haggai”

  1. fdan's avatarfdan

    Dear Father Victor, as I said yesterday about your reflection, your words motivate and build people up. And that’s how to best reach others. I have to remember that when I get down about what’s going on in this world. When I feel I or others aren’t doing enough, I have to remember that “God’s kingdom is coming, being built even now.” Together, SMH, as one human race.🥰

    Like

  2. cenaclemary12's avatarcenaclemary12

    This reading reminds me of the TV show which is called “This Old House”.
    The crew could take a fixer-upper and in a few weeks turn it into a beautiful, livable home. If the cast of the show could work such “do-overs” with human tools and resources, what wonders will God do with us if only we ask for Divine help. Daily prayer and reflection have made clear the changes that are needed in my spiritual home, how I live my life and how I interact with those around me.

    Like

Leave a comment