In every age, Lord, you have been our refuge. Fortunately, we had at least one cheerful reminder in the midst of the pessimistic reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, and the tyrant who beheaded John the Baptist mocked Jesus, had Him dressed in purple, and returned Him to Pilate for condemnation.
In a homily I recently delivered, I quoted from the lyrics of a song by Bon Jovi, "the more things change, the more they remain the same. Ah, is it just me, or does anybody see the new improved tomorrow isn't what it used to be? Yesterday keeps coming round, it's just reality. It's the same song with a different melody."
In Sunday's reading, the prophet Amos critiqued people of his generation who focused more on themselves than others. Without remorse, they plotted to crush and even jeopardize the lives of the less fortunate among them. Look around, and we will see the new Herods among us.
Yes, the more things change, the more they remain the same. However, there were two additional lines in that song that I want to leave with you. "I didn't mean to cause a scene, but it is time to roll up our sleeves."
The pandemic not only caused the death of millions but ushered in a pessimism that has taken hold. In some circles, it is manifested in the phenomenon called quiet quitting.
The psalmist today voiced what some among us may have also felt.
Return, O Lord! How long? Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days, for in every age of Lord you have been our refuge.
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