Vengeance

We live in a hard and dangerous world: a world even harder and more difficult in these days of financial and economic turmoil.

Today’s readings come to us from times and places that were very hard and dangerous: where holy men (even the Holiest) are the target of deadly plots.

The first reading (Jeremiah 11:18-20) begins with the prophet Jeremiah lamenting these deadly plots and it ends with his desire to see the Lord’s vengeance brought down on those who have plotted against him.

But, you, O LORD of hosts, O just Judge,
searcher of mind and heart,
Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause!

It is likely that Jeremiah feels the desire for “old fashioned” vengeance: the death and/or physical punishment of his enemies. We see this desire expressed and carried out at many times and places in the Old Testament and elsewhere.

Often – in Scripture, in history, and in our own lives – that vengeance goes tragically awry. That is but one reason why, although we must protect ourselves and other people, vengeance is best left to God.

God is indeed just, all-knowing, and all powerful. In the end, we will all see the justice of God and we will then see how, in the mystery of His eternal plan, what we may have thought “justice delayed” will be a key element of justice perfectly fulfilled.

We will also then see how God’s justice is as one with God’s mercy.

We will be grateful for that mercy, for we are keenly, painfully aware of how much we need that mercy ourselves.

On that day we will realize that the vengeance of God is infinite justice and infinite mercy.

And on that day we will rejoice.

But, you, O LORD of hosts, O just Judge,
searcher of mind and heart,
Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause!