The reversal
of fortune is often something which we wish for ourselves. The texts from the
Roman Catholic Lectionary today tell in the Book of Ezra of the decision of the
King of the Persian, Cyrus, to allow the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return.
Some commentators see this action as completely unexpected. Friar Jude Winklercomments that it was a offer extended to all the exiles from all nations who
had been gathered in Babylon under the occupation policy of the previous
regional empire. The choice to return was made by a remnant of those who had
been exiled generations earlier. Jewish commentary notes that after the return
to Jerusalem, the Second temple was built and Jewish Law took its final form.
The psalmist expresses the deep joy of the people who went out in sorrow and
returned in joy. The hidden agenda and personal passion can drive our activities
because we hide these motivations from the scrutiny of others. The transformation
to a transparent life is a reversal of fortune to freedom to be the light on a
lamp stand which is described in the Gospel of Luke today as a means to be a
witness to the Life which Christ lives in us. The final verses from Luke remind
us that standing still is not an option. Our desire to be a disciple of Jesus
requires that we are open to move and change as we journey in response to the
Spirit.
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