Sanctus Carmelus

  The Discipleship of the Faithful Remnant  (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6c-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12a)      In the First Reading, the prophet Zephaniah delivers a stirring call to Israel’s covenant people, urging them to repent and return sincerely to God. He offers a poignant reminder that, despite the overwhelming threat of Yahweh’s impending “Day of Judgment,” there remains a glimmer of hope for those who repent and turn back to God. This hope is not extended to the mighty or self-righteous, but to the humble and oppressed, a group often referred to in Hebrew as the " aniyyim ", or the "poor in spirit." Zephaniah’s message is underscored by a sense of urgency, suggesting that true humility and obedience carry profound moral and eschatological significance. These traits not only define the character of the faithful but also position them as part of God's “faithful remnant”, those who, despite enduring hardships and suffering, choose to r...