Eugene Peterson on Jeremiah’s faithful witness in the face of indifference and apostasy

Josiah’s reform was like a wedding. Jeremiah’s concern was with a marriage. It was a great achievement to repudiate Manasseh and establish the people in covenant with their God; but it was a lifelong career to embrace God’s love and walk in his ways. The people celebrated Josiah’s reform; they ignored Jeremiah’s preaching. It is Jeremiah’s lifelong achievement that the soggy religious mush of the masses never dulled his perceptions nor muted his insistent witness.

Eugene H. Peterson, Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best, 70.

prayer for the third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer