The prophet Malachi wrote that “Day of the Lord” would be a “great and terrible day.”  The prophet Elijah in the person of St John the Baptist would again admonish the people to a change of heart ~ to be purified like silver in fire ~ to prepare the way of the Lord. Time had run out for superficial spirituality!  The chosen people were called to be “all in!” ~ to be totally committed to the Kingdom of God ~ or face judgement.  In the days of Malachi, the city of Jerusalem and the beautiful temple were being rebuilt after their total destruction 70 years before.  Sadly, however, there was still oppression of the poor who were being trampled down by those who made an ostentatious show of their religiosity.  Silver is purified in the middle of the fire where the flames are most intense.  Malachi reminds us that progress in the spiritual life is not an easy process.  However, every day is a new opportunity to go forward!  There are only a few hours left before the celebration of the birth of the King!  You are invited to use these moments prayerfully, but also to look forward to a daily re-commitment to the Way of the Lord!

Prayer:
“I confess to Almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned…”

Action:
During the Christmas season, make a resolution to reach out in some way to the poor.