Thursday 12 October 2023

Today is Thursday 12 October, in the 27th week of Ordinary time.

The community of Taizé sing Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini – Blessed is he who comes in the name of Lord.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Malachi.

Malachi 3:13-20

You have spoken harsh words against me, says the LORD. Yet you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners before the LORD of hosts? Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only prosper, but when they put God to the test they escape.’

Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them. Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Malachi writes 100 years after the return from exile, giving the message in our reading today, that God still loves his covenant people, despite their corruption and turning away from God. The people feel it’s pointless serving God, as the wicked and proud seem to prosper and God does nothing about it.


Ponder these words, considering your own desire to serve God. Where does this spring from?


In response God tells a story of a people who fear and love the Lord, who get together and talk about serving God.


You might like to reflect on a time when you shared stories of faith with those who walk with you on the journey; a spiritual director, someone you pray with, a priest, a friend… Remember these people before God as you pray.


Listen to the reading again…notice what draws you…

‘They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession…’
As this prayer time draws to a close, what feelings surface as you hear these words:
‘You are mine, God’s special possession.’
What does it mean to belong to God? Be held in this truth as you begin your day.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.