A reflection on Zephaniah 3:14-20 by our Assistant Program Director, Angie Smith.
Zephaniah was written to a people in exile. The book is meant to give hope to the people. The first chapter of the short, but powerful book is what the Dies Irae is based. Our reading today is the conclusion to the message. Here we find joy and celebration, which we could all use right now. The exile has ended, the enemy has been destroyed, the people have returned to their city.
We read this text during the Easter Vigil because this is the night, we retell our story. This is the night when we celebrate by remembering all that God has done. So, sing aloud, O Daughter Zion!
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,let the trumpet of salvationsound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.
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