The Daily Lectionary
with Commentary
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Songs of Hope and Lamentation
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2:13-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Days around Christmas)
Introduction
with Commentary
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Songs of Hope and Lamentation
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2:13-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Days around Christmas)
Introduction
This collection of scriptures, encompassing Psalm 148, Jeremiah 31:15-17, and Matthew 2:13-18, presents a poignant juxtaposition of praise and sorrow, hope and despair. Psalm 148 is a universal call to praise, inviting all of creation, from the highest heavens to the depths of the earth, to join in a chorus of adoration for the Lord. This exultation contrasts with the deep lamentation found in Jeremiah 31:15-17, where the prophet mourns the loss of children, a theme echoed in Matthew 2:13-18, which recounts the tragedy of Herod's massacre of the innocents following Jesus' birth. Together, these passages offer a profound reflection on the complexities of faith, encompassing both the heights of joyous praise and the depths of human suffering. They remind readers of the enduring presence of hope amidst despair, and the transformative power of faith in navigating the vicissitudes of life.
A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 148
Universal Praise: A Symphony of Creation
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 148
Universal Praise: A Symphony of Creation
Psalm 148 stands as a majestic call to universal praise. This Psalm is a vibrant tapestry of worship, weaving together voices from the heavens and the earth. It summons every element of creation—from celestial beings to the smallest creatures, and even the elements themselves—to join in a grand chorus of adoration to the Lord. The Psalm vividly illustrates the interconnectedness of all things under the sovereign reign of God, inviting us to ponder our place in this cosmic hymn of praise.1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; *
Praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels; *
Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; *
Praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens *
And you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, *
For at his command they were created,
6 And he established them for ever and ever— *
He issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, *
You great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, *
Stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 You mountains and all hills, *
Fruit trees and all cedars,
10 Wild animals and all cattle, *
Small creatures and flying birds,
11 Kings of the earth and all nations, *
You princes and all rulers on earth,
12 Young men and women, *
Old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted; *
His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart. *
Praise the Lord.
Heavenly Father, Creator of the heavens and earth, we join with all of Your creation, from the highest heavens to the depths of the sea, in a chorus of praise to Your glorious name. As the sun, moon, and shining stars declare Your majesty, may our lives reflect Your splendor.
You have established a universe of order and beauty, a testimony to Your wisdom and power. The mountains and hills, the fruit trees and cedars, the wild animals and all livestock, the creatures of the sea and the birds in the sky, all exist by Your command and bring glory to You.
Teach us, O Lord, to live in harmony with Your creation, to respect and cherish it as a reflection of Your love and creativity. Help us to remember that we are caretakers of this earth, entrusted by You to nurture and protect it.
We thank You for the gift of life and the beauty that surrounds us. May our hearts be forever tuned to the rhythm of Your creation, joining the eternal song of praise that rises from every corner of the universe.
Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
Jeremiah 31:15-17 is a poignant mixture of sorrow and hope. In these verses, the Prophet Jeremiah conveys God's message to the people of Israel during a time of great distress and despair. The passage begins with an expression of deep mourning, symbolized by the weeping of Rachel for her children. Yet, amidst this sorrow, the Lord's voice emerges, promising hope and restoration. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, God's comforting presence and promise of a brighter future remain steadfast.31 15 This is what the Lord says:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
16 This is what the Lord says:
“Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,”
declares the Lord.
“They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your descendants,”
declares the Lord.
“Your children will return to their own land.
Commentary
Verse 15 — Rachel Weeping for Her Children: This verse symbolizes the collective grief of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. Rachel, considered the mother of the Israelite tribes, weeping for her lost children, embodies the depth of the nation's suffering. This imagery of inconsolable loss speaks to the universality of grief and the profound impact of communal suffering.
Verse 16 — Promise of Return: The Lord's command to refrain from weeping signals a shift from despair to hope. God acknowledges the pain but urges the people to look towards a future where their suffering will be transformed into joy. This promise of return for the exiles is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people, assuring them that their current trials are not the end of their story.
Verse 17 — Hope for a Brighter Future: The final verse in this passage offers a reassuring promise from God. The assurance of a hopeful future, where there is an expectation of reward and prosperity, serves as a powerful counterpoint to the initial despair. This verse underscores the theme of divine providence and redemption, reminding believers that God's plans encompass not only justice but also restoration and renewal.
In essence, Jeremiah 31:15-17 is a profound narrative of hope overcoming despair. It encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even in the midst of unbearable loss and sorrow, highlighting that God's love and promises are a constant source of comfort and strength.
Matthew 2:13-18 presents a poignant and powerful narrative, one that encapsulates the trials and tribulations of a crucial moment in biblical history. This passage recounts the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, an event marked by divine intervention, and the tragic Massacre of the Innocents ordered by King Herod. Here, we witness a stark contrast between the protective hand of God over the infant Jesus and the ruthless cruelty of earthly power. This portion of scripture invites us to reflect on themes of faith amidst adversity, divine providence, and the cost of salvation.2 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”
Commentary
Verses 13-14 — Divine Warning and Obedience: The passage begins with an angel of the Lord warning Joseph in a dream about the impending danger to Jesus. Joseph's immediate obedience, taking his family to Egypt under the cover of night, exemplifies unwavering faith and trust in God. This segment teaches us the importance of heeding divine guidance and acting decisively in times of crisis.
Verse 15 — Fulfillment of Prophecy: The sojourn in Egypt fulfills the prophecy of Hosea, "Out of Egypt I called my son." This reference not only links Jesus to the history of Israel but also emphasizes the role of Jesus as the fulfiller of Old Testament prophecies. It underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating history for the redemption of humanity.
Verses 16-18 — Herod's Rage and the Massacre: The narrative takes a dark turn with Herod's brutal decree to kill all boys in Bethlehem aged two and under. This act of senseless violence highlights the stark contrast between the kingdom of God, represented by the infant Jesus, and the corrupt, earthly kingdoms epitomized by Herod. The lamentation prophesied by Jeremiah, echoed in the weeping of the mothers of Bethlehem, serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering and injustice in the world.
The Light in Darkness: Despite the grim circumstances, this passage is ultimately a story of hope and divine protection. The survival of Jesus amidst such peril is a testament to God's power and plan for salvation. It invites believers to find solace and strength in God's sovereignty, even in the darkest of times.
In conclusion, Matthew 2:13-18 offers a profound mix of sorrow and hope, a narrative that challenges believers to find faith in adversity, recognize the fulfillment of divine promises, and understand the depths of God's love and protection in a world often marked by hardship and pain.
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, December 28, 2023
Songs of Hope and Lamentation
Psalm 148; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2:13-18
Today's collection of scriptures presents a poignant juxtaposition of praise and sorrow, hope and despair. Psalm 148 is a universal call to praise, inviting all of creation, from the highest heavens to the depths of the earth, to join in a chorus of adoration for the Lord. This exultation contrasts with the deep lamentation found in Jeremiah, where the prophet mourns the loss of children, a theme echoed in Matthew, which recounts the tragedy of Herod's massacre of the innocents following Jesus' birth. Together, these passages offer a profound reflection on the complexities of faith, encompassing both the heights of joyous praise and the depths of human suffering. They remind readers of the enduring presence of hope amidst despair, and the transformative power of faith in navigating the vicissitudes of life.
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