Malachi – Chapter 4

Old Testament6 Verses

1For behold the day shall come kindled as a furnace: and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, it shall not leave them root, nor branch.

2But unto you that fear my name, the Sun of justice shall arise, and health in his wings: and you shall go forth, and shall leap like calves of the herd.

3And you shall tread down the wicked when they shall be ashes under the sole of your feet in the day that I do this, saith the Lord of hosts.

4Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, the precepts, and judgments.

5Behold, I will send you Elias the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come, and strike the earth with anathema.

Reflection for Today

Malachi Chapter 4 contributes to the biblical theme of covenant faithfulness and the coming messenger, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. Malachi prepares for John the Baptist and Christ (CIC 523). The enduring truth that The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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