Today's first reading promises the defeat of the southern kingdom of Judah from an established kingdom. Due to their sins, they will be punished through military defeat and capture. Ultimately, the great responsibility of this falls on the leadership: the rulers, the priests, and the prophets who led the people in worshiping false gods and turning away from the true God. Through their influence, the entire people have lost true faith.
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The second reading provides a great image of what God hopes will happen through this catastrophic punishment of the chosen people. God directs Jeremiah to a potter's house and has him watch the potter shaping clay. During this, the potter makes a mistake, but he simply reshapes the clay into a usable pot. Just like this, God tells Jeremiah, I am reshaping Israel into a people that is useful to me. Only in this way can their evil ways be completely changed into a good and faithful way of life.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 13-24 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Jeremiah 13-24 today.
