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27th Sunday of Year C – 2019

Questions are very much part of our lives.
From day to day, we ask questions from one another.
We may be looking for information, or we may be asking for direction,
but questions are definitely a means of interaction that we often use among ourselves.

But questions are also part of the interaction of human beings with God
and it has been so for a very long time indeed.

The 1st reading of this 27th Sunday is a good example of this (Ha.1:2-3; 2:2-4).
Some may say a rather… shocking example!
The prophet Habakkuk is not asking God for information, direction, or even inspiration.
The many questions he addresses God express his desperation.

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?
 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?”

HOW LONG? WHY? Questions that many people nowadays would be tempted to address God as well.
Violence, injustice, wrongdoing, all these are still part of our world.
They are still part of the life experience of many –
the many who find themselves in a situation of crisis, feeling desperate and helpless.

“Then the Lord replied:
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
    it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
    it will certainly come and will not delay.

God has answered Habakkuk and his answer is still valid today.
We need to wait with the conviction that he hears and he will answer… in his own time.
Though it may linger, we need to wait for his reply…

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/27e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2019/

 

Source: Images: Pinterest   aboitebaptistchurch.org

 

 

27th Sunday of the Year, C

www-pinterest-comIf I mention the name ‘Habakkuk’ and if I add that he was a prophet, many people may not question my words but they will wonder about the identity of this man of God. He is the author of the text of our 1st reading on this Sunday (27th, Year C – Ha.1:2-3; 2,:2-4). On hearing his message, we might think we hear the words of Jeremiah. Like him, Habakkuk is somehow admonishing the Lord for the message given to him to speak to his people.

The very first line of his text says: “How long, Lord, am I to cry for help while you will not listen?” Have you ever been tempted to address these words to God? You did not dare… You thought it may lack respect, you said to yourself that it was an unworthy kind of prayer, and yet…

Had you done so, you may have received the same answer that God gave his prophet as he said: “The vision will come, it does not deceive; it if comes slowly, wait, for come it will without fail.”

Next time you are tired of waiting for God to do something. In fact, whenever you have doubts that he will do anything for you… just remember the prophet with the strange-sounding name and… the bold prayer words!

Source: Image: www.pinterest.com