In the same way, there is nothing hidden that shall not be uncovered; nothing kept secret,
that shall not be known clearly. Now, pay attention and listen well, for whoever produces,
will be given more; but from those who do not produce, even what they seem to have will
be taken away from them.”
Reflect
One of the most significant events described in the Old Testament is the exile. After a series
of military defeats, the people of Israel were taken captive to Babylon. The pain of being away
from their homeland and living in harsh conditions in Babylon was compounded because they
understood this exile as the result of their sinfulness and their failure to remain faithful to their
covenant with God. God’s gift to them of the Promised Land was a sign of the covenant, so
their exile from that land was the inevitable result of their failure to keep the covenant. This
explains their great joy when Cyrus ended their exile, allowing them to return home. To them,
it was a sign that they were forgiven and that God had renewed the covenant.
Our sins can create a sense of exile as well. Sin ruptures our relationship with God and
our neighbors. Sin keeps us from loving wholeheartedly. But as Cyrus allowed the Israelites
to return home, the Sacrament of penance offers us a way to restore our relationships.
We are forgiven and home once again.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023