May I remind you of what I said as in the days of old.
I am intensely jealous for Zion, stirred by a burning anger for her sake. I will return to Zion and live in her midst. Listen to what I am saying. She shall be called City of faithfulness and my Mountain, the Mountain of holiness.
Imagine! I draw up a scene. Imagine old men and women sitting in the squares, each with a stick in hand on account of great age. The squares of the city filled with girls and boys playing as in days of old. Impossible? If that seems impossible in the eyes of those who have returned from exile, will it be impossible for me as well?
See now, I am going to save you, Israel, bringing you from the east and from the west and you will live in Jerusalem. You will be my people and I shall be your God in truth and in justice. So it will happen that just as you were a curse among the nations, now I save you, Israel and make you a blessing. Now, do not be discouraged. Have no fear and let your hands be strong! Just as I resolved to do you harm because your fathers angered me and I did not relent, so now in these days am I determined to deal kindly with you. Have no fear! Are you listening?
This is what you must do: Speak the truth to one another and do not plot evil in your heart against one another. Refrain from false oaths for it is what I detest. Only be peacemakers and sincere people. Are you listening? Meditate on my precepts and apply yourself unceasingly to my commands. I will strengthen your heart and the wisdom you desire will be given to you. Pray with a strong spirit and do not neglect to give alms.
Shout for joy! Rejoice! For your King is coming, just and victorious. My reign is from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. 23.04.24