Sons of Levi

“...he will purify the sons of Levi...” Malachi 3:3

It seems to me the prophet Malachi is only known for the Lord’s admonition about tithes and how we should test God to make true His promise (Malachi 4:10-12). But Malachi was also warning the people during Nehemiah’s and Ezra’s time about the priests’ corrupt activities and the many sins of the Israelite community. God told the priests through Malachi, “Listen, you priests...Honor my name or I will bring a terrible curse against you. The purpose of my covenant with the Levites’  was to bring life and peace. The priests’ lips should guard knowledge, and people should go to them for instruction, for the priests are the messengers of the Lord Almighty.” There is so much more that wearied the Lord about the priests.

Today, there is also so much wrong with how some of our priests and pastors are serving our congregations. Many Catholics are dismayed, discouraged and alienated by revelations of terrible goings on in parishes and seminaries. Several religious leaders and televangelists have been accused of high profile abuses and excesses. Has everything gone wrong with God’s church?

Before Jesus chose His disciples He went up to the mountain to pray. He prayed for the WHOLE NIGHT! (Luke 6:12). Then he called all His followers and chose twelve. Were those twelve perfect? They were as flawed as can be! One chose to betray him for thirty pieces of silver (Mt. 26:15). James and John argued about who would sit in places of honor (Mt. 20:20-28). Peter denied Him. They all shooed children away. Tomas did not believe Jesus was alive until he saw Jesus and felt His hands and side. After three years of teaching all of them, they still could not understand what Jesus was saying. 

The Church of God is not built on flawed men’s shoulders. It is built on Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. Two thousand years and God’s Church still stands. God’s Kingdom is victorious against the wiles and machinations of the enemy. “Upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18)