Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath saw the frequent use of terms such as evacuate, return, rebuilding and restoration. This calls to mind the situation of the Jewish people at the time of the Babylonian captivity, approximately 597-527 BC.

Two of the great leaders of the Jewish people at the time of return after the Babylonian exile were Ezra and Nehemiah. Two of the prophets God raised up then were Haggai and Zechariah. It is interesting to read the short book of Haggai (only two chapters) in the light of our present situation, post-Katrina. I would like to pick out three main messages that I believe God would speak to us today through the prophet Haggai.

First: “Don’t neglect the Lord’s house while you work on your own house.” In the first chapter, Haggai speaks a strong word of correction to the people for giving attention to their own dwellings while neglecting to rebuild the house of the Lord. The result of this was financial hardship. The New American Bible says: “The economic distress so apparent in Judah is due to the Jews’ neglect of the Lord while they provide for their own needs.” Obviously, those of us whose homes were damaged in Hurricane Katrina need to repair them, but the Lord is reminding us that we need to take thought of his house first. This means that each of us, according to our means, should contribute to the Lord’s work in this time of rebuilding.

Second: (2:1-9) “Take courage and work, for I am with you; the future glory of the Lord’s house will be greater than the former.” The people were discouraged because they did not see how they could make the temple as beautiful as it had been before it was destroyed. Haggai gives them a message of “courage”. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., has often used this passage in his preaching to the papal household and to groups around the world. I think everyone would agree that in this time of post-Katrina clean-up and rebuilding, we all need much courage.

Third: (2:15-19) “When you begin to obey the Lord, He will bless.” There is a promise of immediate blessings when there is repentance and obedience. “From this day, I will bless,” says the Lord. Whatever our interpretation of the meaning of Hurricane Katrina, I think all believers can agree that repentance is always a good place to start. The Lord is the great provider and He is able to make “all things work together for the good of those who love Him”(cf. Romans 8:28).

All the above brings to mind a message the Lord has given many saints over the ages: “Take care of my concerns and I will take care of your concerns.” This can be a difficult lesson for us to learn, especially in the midst of so many demanding needs. It’s a matter of trust and the Lord is utterly trustworthy.

Let us pray that we might always put the Lord first, obey the word of the Lord and so receive the blessings God has promised.

If anyone wishes to make a tax-deductible donation for the rebuilding of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans Ministry, please send it to:

CCRNO * PO Box 7515 * Metairie, LA 70010-7515

© Al Mansfield, 2007, www.ccrno.org
Coordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans Office and the Archbishop’s Liaison.