THURSDAY, TWENTY FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Hg 1: 1-8 Ps 149: 1-6, 9 Lk 9: 7-9
THE HOLE IN OUR POCKETS
The first reading presents the prophet Haggai addressing the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile. Now settled in Jerusalem during a time of peace, they were no longer burdened by war or forced labour. They had time and resources at their disposal. Yet, rather than using these blessings to rebuild the temple of the Lord, a symbol of God’s presence among them; they chose instead to focus on constructing luxurious homes for themselves. Through Haggai, God confronts them: “Consider your ways.” Their material efforts were yielding little fruit. Despite their labour, they were not satisfied. Haggai links their lack of satisfaction to their spiritual state, suggesting a connection between holistic well-being and fidelity to God.
This prophetic message remains relevant today. When life is comfortable and routine, we, too, are tempted to sideline God. We may fulfil religious duties externally, but our hearts may be more invested in personal goals, possessions, or comfort. In an age where self-interest and consumerism dominate, it is easy to lose sight of our spiritual foundations. We end up building our own “panelled houses” while the inner temple – our relationship with God, lies neglected.
This neglect has consequences. Despite success and abundance, something always seems to be missing. Our hearts feel restless, our achievements hollow. We try to fill the void with more activity, more acquisition—but nothing satisfies. The words of Haggai echo in our hearts: stop, reflect, “consider your ways.” What am I lacking? Where is God in my list of priorities?
Jesus reminds us of the first and greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Flowing from this is the second: to love our neighbour as ourselves. When our lives are oriented around this love, our priorities shift. When we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all that we truly need will be given to us (Mt 6:33).
Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.
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