The proud braggarts

Those commentators and talk show hosts.

Those “experts” and authorities.

Those politicians and bureaucrats.

Those celebrities and entertainers.

Even some of us, even perhaps you and I.

Proud braggarts.

She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the LORD she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near.

In today’s first reading (Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13), the Lord says He will remove proud braggarts from our midst.

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
Nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.

May God give us the grace to be repentant and humble, to draw ever nearer to the Lord, and to take refuge in the Most Holy Name of Jesus.