January 2nd - Reflection

Jeremiah 31:7-14 (NRSV)
Joy as God's scattered flock gathers
For thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
"Save, O Lord, your people,
the remnant of Israel."
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him,
and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
and they shall never languish again.
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,

says the Lord.

Reflection
The joy of the return home. But these people were all of those who would be most likely unable to weather the journey of returning home. I am like these people. So many things that hold me back from the journey are physical and some are spiritual, but God helps me along anyway. God brings joy from the struggles and permits me to dance and sing and shout for joy. God brings forth all the joy anyone ever needs. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Praise God from whom all blessings flow-- 
Praise him all creatures here below--
Praise him above all heavenly host--
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

Amen