We have certain expectations with regards to a person who is at a position of authority.
For a leader, whether of a country or of a religion, we would expect him to be of a certain age, have a certain kind of disposition, dress in a certain way, etc.
For a king of a country, we would certainly expect no less, and maybe even more of of the status and the prestige attached to that title.
In the 1st reading, we heard that Jehoiachin became king of Judah when he was only 18 years old. Although only a teenager, he already did what was displeasing to the Lord.
And his reign was short, only three months, and it came to an end when he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
Not only was Johoiachin no match to Nebuchadnezzar in every aspect , he also did not use his position of authority to call upon the Lord to save his country. On the contrary, he turned away from the Lord and did what was displeasing to the Lord. Hence, he had to bear the consequences.
We may not be in a position of high authority, but we are certainly in a position to call upon the Lord for His help in whatever precarious situation we are in.
But to call upon the Lord's name would also mean that we must listen to the words of Jesus and what He has taught us in the gospels.
So we have the written word of Jesus to reflect and meditate upon and we listen to Him in prayer.
So let us stand firm on the rock of our faith and as we call upon the Lord, let us also listen to His voice and do His will.
For a leader, whether of a country or of a religion, we would expect him to be of a certain age, have a certain kind of disposition, dress in a certain way, etc.
For a king of a country, we would certainly expect no less, and maybe even more of of the status and the prestige attached to that title.
In the 1st reading, we heard that Jehoiachin became king of Judah when he was only 18 years old. Although only a teenager, he already did what was displeasing to the Lord.
And his reign was short, only three months, and it came to an end when he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
Not only was Johoiachin no match to Nebuchadnezzar in every aspect , he also did not use his position of authority to call upon the Lord to save his country. On the contrary, he turned away from the Lord and did what was displeasing to the Lord. Hence, he had to bear the consequences.
We may not be in a position of high authority, but we are certainly in a position to call upon the Lord for His help in whatever precarious situation we are in.
But to call upon the Lord's name would also mean that we must listen to the words of Jesus and what He has taught us in the gospels.
So we have the written word of Jesus to reflect and meditate upon and we listen to Him in prayer.
So let us stand firm on the rock of our faith and as we call upon the Lord, let us also listen to His voice and do His will.