Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13
#70A Solemnities A Context (4th Sunday in Ordinary Time A)
#737 Commons Context (Common of Holy Men and Women)
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth,
who have observed his law;
seek justice, seek humility;
perhaps you may be sheltered
on the day of the Lord’s anger.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
they shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 2:3; 3:12-13
In this selection the Prophet Zephaniah sends a caution to Jerusalem similar to Amos 1-2 and Isaiah 1:21-26. The leadership must renounce pride and return in humility to the Lord. In this way they will avoid God’s anger (an anger that nearly destroyed Nineveh and is described as bringing down destruction on any groups who have assaulted God's chosen people).
Moving forward to the next chapter, the focus is changed from a warning to the promise of salvation. The righteous “remnant” (of the house of Judah, v 2:7) who trust in God are given peace and prosperity as a reward for their humility and obedience to the Lord.
CCC: Zep 2:3 64, 711, 716
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Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
#188 Weekdays I & II Context (Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent)
Thus says the LORD:
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted,
to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the LORD she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify
the lips of the peoples,
That they all may call upon the name of the LORD,
to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia
and as far as the recesses of the North,
they shall bring me offerings.
On that day
You need not be ashamed
of all your deeds,
your rebellious actions against me;
For then will I remove from your midst
the proud braggarts,
And you shall no longer exalt yourself
on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
Nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:1-2, 9-13
This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah contains parts of two oracles. In the first section (v. 1-2), the leaders of Jerusalem are chastised as far from God (“She hears no voice” – To hear the voice of God was to be holy: the antithesis is to hear no voice.). Although not explicit in the verses given, in v. 8 the oracle foresees that God will judge the unholy and they shall be thrown down.
The next section (v.9-13) speaks of the coming messianic era, a time after the tyranny has passed, when the faithful remnant will be rewarded with salvation. The “poor in spirit” are saved and they shall live in peace (“They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them”). This poetic vision is used elsewhere as an image of peace (see Isaiah 14:30, Ezekiel 34:25, and Micah 4:4). The definition developed by the Prophet of the “poor in spirit” will be used by Jesus later describing the messianic expectation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:14-20
#38O-2 BVM Context (Holy Mary, Mother of Unity)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you
and turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
the LORD will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
the LORD will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
I will remove disaster from among you,
so that none may recount your disgrace.
Yes, at that time I will deal
with all who oppress you:
I will save the lame,
and assemble the outcasts;
I will give them praise and renown
in all the earth, when I bring about their restoration.
At that time I will bring you home,
and at that time I will gather you;
for I will give you renown and praise,
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I bring about your restoration
before your very eyes, says the LORD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-20
The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
The theme of reunion, "restoration" is driven home as is salvation promised to the those who are helpless (the lame and the outcasts; those presumed to have been punished because of sins). The prophecy promises these poor ones a place of prominence in God's kingdom. Above all, God promises to re-unite his people and establish their place in the world.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
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Zephaniah 3:14-18a
#9C Solemnities C Context (3rd Sunday of Advent C)
#197 Weekday I & II Context (December 21 of Advent)
#572 Proper of Saints Context (Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31)
#827 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 1. For the Church, 5.)
#3A BVM Context (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent 3)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a
The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:14-15
#943 Mass for Various Needs Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 26. In Thanksgiving to God, Fourth Option)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-15
This exaltation of praise to God enjoins the faithful to give thanks. The specific gifts of God are presented; forgiveness of sins and protection from spiritual death. The passage presumes the presence of the Messiah as it proclaims "The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst." Those who believe and accept these gifts are given God's abiding peace.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:16-20
#867 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 10. For the Unity of Christians, Fourth Option)
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
I will remove disaster from among you,
so that none may recount your disgrace.
Yes, at that time I will deal
with all who oppress you:
I will save the lame,
and assemble the outcasts;
I will give them praise and renown
in all the earth, when I bring about their restoration.
At that time I will bring you home,
and at that time I will gather you;
For I will give you renown and praise,
among all the peoples of the earth,
When I bring about your restoration
before your very eyes, says the Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:16-20
The prophet concludes his oracle with the promise of salvation from God for all his faithful. The joy of redemption through the promised messianic presence is lavished anthropomorphically as the Zephaniah envisions the Lord singing joyfully with the people.
The theme of reunion, "restoration" is driven home as is salvation promised to the those who are helpless (the lame and the outcasts; those presumed to have been punished because of sins). The prophecy promises these poor ones a place of prominence in God's kingdom. Above all, God promises to re-unite his people and establish their place in the world.
CCC: Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#70A Solemnities A Context (4th Sunday in Ordinary Time A)
#737 Commons Context (Common of Holy Men and Women)
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth,
who have observed his law;
seek justice, seek humility;
perhaps you may be sheltered
on the day of the Lord’s anger.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
they shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 2:3; 3:12-13
In this selection the Prophet Zephaniah sends a caution to Jerusalem similar to Amos 1-2 and Isaiah 1:21-26. The leadership must renounce pride and return in humility to the Lord. In this way they will avoid God’s anger (an anger that nearly destroyed Nineveh and is described as bringing down destruction on any groups who have assaulted God's chosen people).
Moving forward to the next chapter, the focus is changed from a warning to the promise of salvation. The righteous “remnant” (of the house of Judah, v 2:7) who trust in God are given peace and prosperity as a reward for their humility and obedience to the Lord.
CCC: Zep 2:3 64, 711, 716
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
#188 Weekdays I & II Context (Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent)
Thus says the LORD:
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted,
to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the LORD she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify
the lips of the peoples,
That they all may call upon the name of the LORD,
to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia
and as far as the recesses of the North,
they shall bring me offerings.
On that day
You need not be ashamed
of all your deeds,
your rebellious actions against me;
For then will I remove from your midst
the proud braggarts,
And you shall no longer exalt yourself
on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
Nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:1-2, 9-13
This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah contains parts of two oracles. In the first section (v. 1-2), the leaders of Jerusalem are chastised as far from God (“She hears no voice” – To hear the voice of God was to be holy: the antithesis is to hear no voice.). Although not explicit in the verses given, in v. 8 the oracle foresees that God will judge the unholy and they shall be thrown down.
The next section (v.9-13) speaks of the coming messianic era, a time after the tyranny has passed, when the faithful remnant will be rewarded with salvation. The “poor in spirit” are saved and they shall live in peace (“They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them”). This poetic vision is used elsewhere as an image of peace (see Isaiah 14:30, Ezekiel 34:25, and Micah 4:4). The definition developed by the Prophet of the “poor in spirit” will be used by Jesus later describing the messianic expectation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:14-20
#38O-2 BVM Context (Holy Mary, Mother of Unity)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you
and turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
the LORD will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
the LORD will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
I will remove disaster from among you,
so that none may recount your disgrace.
Yes, at that time I will deal
with all who oppress you:
I will save the lame,
and assemble the outcasts;
I will give them praise and renown
in all the earth, when I bring about their restoration.
At that time I will bring you home,
and at that time I will gather you;
for I will give you renown and praise,
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I bring about your restoration
before your very eyes, says the LORD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-20
The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
The theme of reunion, "restoration" is driven home as is salvation promised to the those who are helpless (the lame and the outcasts; those presumed to have been punished because of sins). The prophecy promises these poor ones a place of prominence in God's kingdom. Above all, God promises to re-unite his people and establish their place in the world.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
#9C Solemnities C Context (3rd Sunday of Advent C)
#197 Weekday I & II Context (December 21 of Advent)
#572 Proper of Saints Context (Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31)
#827 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 1. For the Church, 5.)
#3A BVM Context (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent 3)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a
The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:14-15
#943 Mass for Various Needs Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 26. In Thanksgiving to God, Fourth Option)
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:14-15
This exaltation of praise to God enjoins the faithful to give thanks. The specific gifts of God are presented; forgiveness of sins and protection from spiritual death. The passage presumes the presence of the Messiah as it proclaims "The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst." Those who believe and accept these gifts are given God's abiding peace.
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zephaniah 3:16-20
#867 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 10. For the Unity of Christians, Fourth Option)
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
I will remove disaster from among you,
so that none may recount your disgrace.
Yes, at that time I will deal
with all who oppress you:
I will save the lame,
and assemble the outcasts;
I will give them praise and renown
in all the earth, when I bring about their restoration.
At that time I will bring you home,
and at that time I will gather you;
For I will give you renown and praise,
among all the peoples of the earth,
When I bring about your restoration
before your very eyes, says the Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Zep 3:16-20
The prophet concludes his oracle with the promise of salvation from God for all his faithful. The joy of redemption through the promised messianic presence is lavished anthropomorphically as the Zephaniah envisions the Lord singing joyfully with the people.
The theme of reunion, "restoration" is driven home as is salvation promised to the those who are helpless (the lame and the outcasts; those presumed to have been punished because of sins). The prophecy promises these poor ones a place of prominence in God's kingdom. Above all, God promises to re-unite his people and establish their place in the world.
CCC: Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
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