Readings:
Baruch 5-6
2 Corinthians 6

Baruch 5-6

Baruch gives a consoling prophecy to Jerusalem, that the people have been led away in exile but not only will God allow them to eventually return, he’ll also pave the way and make their path of return easy. He will walk with them back to the land that was promised to Abraham and his descendants.

The Book of Baruch ends with a letter written by Jeremiah to the Israelites being led off to Babylon. It’s a warning not to worship the gods of Babylon, because they took on a lot of the gods of Egypt over the years and Jeremiah was well aware of this. It’s also a long denunciation of idols in general, and how it’s ridiculous to worship something made with human hands. Maybe Jeremiah should’ve been around during the exodus to have a word with Aaron and his calves.

2 Corinthians 6

Paul tells the Corinthians not to take for granted the opportunity to repent and the graces given. He quotes Isaiah and reminds them that the time for repentance isn’t always available, now is the opportune moment but we never know when our clock will run out, and then it is too late.

The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conversion while God is still giving them “the acceptable time, . . . the day of salvation.” It inspires a holy fear of God and commits them to the justice of the Kingdom of God. It proclaims the “blessed hope” of the Lord’s return, when he will come “to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed.”

CCC 1041

Paul is asking them to reconcile with God and to put the past behind them. It was them who wronged him, and allowed false apostles into positions in their midst, but now feel like they’ve been wronged. It feels like Paul is saying he’s the aggrieved party but has forgiven them completely, so they should put this all behind them and move on.

He closes this chapter with a warning against entanglement with unbelievers who may threaten the growing faith of these new believers. Although this isn’t a binding rule it’s still good advice to us today.

Tomorrow’s Readings:
Ezekiel 1-2
2 Corinthians 7