Six hundred years apart, Jeremiah and Jesus discerned and proclaimed that Jerusalem’s peace was about to end. An essential part of Israel’s covenant with God was to support a society ordered by economic and social justice with mercy for all. The folks at both times who could have helped the least in the land, chose rather to ignore them. Within both their generations, the Jerusalem temple was destroyed and the city was diminished by war.

Listen to Jesus’ question for the crowds, “Hypocrites, you know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?!?” By using the strong word hypocrite, Jesus suggests they know better and should be practicing generosity.

He agitated during his life by praying, teaching, healing, and caring deeply for the sick, the poor, the disabled, the aged, the mentally and spiritually ill. When they resisted his call, Jesus held the powerful accountable for their failure to practice God’s mercy. As no one enjoys being challenged and they had the power, they arranged for his crucifixion.

What is our discernment of “this present time?” Are we investing in the sure hope of compassion, generosity, and joy with the least? Throughout scripture we are reminded that we encounter God when we find ourselves among the least.

May we lean into each opportunity to interpret this present time correctly, as did Jesus and Jeremiah, and form mutual, generous relationships in response. And may the mercy of God be our inspiration to help co-create with our crucified and risen Lord a world in which everyone is welcomed, honored, and beloved in the mercy of God. This is the Good News.