In the first reading we see Zephaniah’s prophesy over the future restoration of Israel. Even though the Israelites were held captive in Babylon for 70 years because they withdrew from God and lived on their own terms, God was still merciful to forgive their sins and bring them back to the promised land. This was God’s promise to Israel that they are not to be discouraged or disheartened but to be alert and confident that the abundant life of prosperity, peace and comfort will be restored to them.

Often when things are going well, we live on our terms and withdraw from God until a crisis hits. When we are held captive by our circumstances, we start to read the word of God and hold on to his promises. Though God was merciful to the Israelites, they had to go through agony until they repented and it was in God’s time that they were brought back to the promised land.

We too may face many challenges and hardships but there is rejoicing in the struggle because we serve a God who is faithful to his promises. He is the miracle worker, there is nothing impossible for him and the breakthrough will happen not in our time but at his appointed time. We need to be patient in the waiting and keep rejoicing because the Lord is grooming us to be strong in our faith to face any challenge.

The second reading says “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. This is what we are instructed to do. To offer our life’s situations and patiently wait for the Lord to work in our lives.

In today’s Gospel reading, we see the crowds questioning John the Baptist on what must be done to live righteously and avoid God’s wrath. John advises those with extra resources to share with those that have little or nothing and that we should be content with what we have.

As I look at my life, can I say I am content with what I have? Have I shared my resources with those who are less fortunate? Am I responding to God’s call by living a life of love and service or am I held captive by my own struggles that I fail to see beyond them? Does everything revolve around me?

The Lord invites us today to stop being anxious and to rejoice, to stop focusing on our own problems and to offer acts of love and service to our brothers and sisters and to live a righteous and holy life in alignment with the will of God

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we keep rejoicing in our struggles and live righteous lives according to your holy will. Amen.