St. Jerome ~ Baruch 1: 15-20; Psalm 79; Luke 10: 13-16
We celebrate Jerome today, one skilled in Greek and Hebrew and who translated Scripture into the language of the common people, the “vulgar” in its original meaning. We call this translation the Vulgate. Baruch confesses the sins of the people, their disobedience, their lack of listening to God. The psalmist cries: “Do not remember the iniquities of our ancestors. Let your compassion come speedily to meet us for we are brought very low.” Jesus agrees: the cities of his day who reject him “will be brought down to Hades.”
These are sad readings. What sadness, even anguish do you want to cry to God? What questions trouble your heart? Try to listen to God’s response to your confession of your sins, or sinfulness, or the sins of our nations, sins against our earth.
Jesus, Prince of Peace, save us from religious wars and hate-driven theological differences. Set us free through your timely compassion. We are brought very low.