Hab 1:2-3,2:2-4 Ps 94(95) 2 Tim 1:6-8,13-14 Lk 17:5-10
Habbakuk appears to have prophesied while Judah was being threatened by Babylon, who destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Habbakuk expresses the ever-present frustration of mankind that evil people always seem to triumph. Since God is good and just, why doesn’t He intervene to help those who worship Him? Instead of punishing his erring people by a nation even more wicked? God’s answer here is that “the upright man will live by his faithfulness”. So Habbakuk agrees to “quietly wait” for the invaders to be punished.
The Psalm invites us to praise and worship the Lord daily, for he is our king and shepherd. We must not lose faith in God, as did the Israelites in their desert journey.
In the first of four readings from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he is urged to “bear the hardships” relying on God’s power, using and developing his skills to testify to the good news. You should “guard the rich truth that has been entrusted to you” the truth that Jesus, “has abolished death”.
In Luke’s Gospel Jesus continues to teach on his way to Jerusalem. We must have confidence in God’s plan, carrying out the tasks God has given us. We must not expect God to put this world to rights in our lifetime.
Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.