Malachi was one of the so-called twelve minor prophets. When the Christian Bible was constructed the Book of Malachi was placed as the last book of the Old Testament. Christians saw in Malachi, and all the prophets, images to help understanding the identity of Jesus. For you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. The message of Malachi is one that resonates with our experience. He was writing after the initial enthusiasm at the return from exile and the re-building of the temple was fading. The people were realizing that their fidelity to God was not so much marked by some great deed but in the daily grind. The call to forgiveness, generosity, compassion, love in the providence of everyday life might not have much pizazz but that is the place where God can be found.
