The holy prophet, Malachi. Second day of the prefestive period.

Malachi lived and wrote after the return from Babylonian exile. He denounced the cooling zeal after the restoration of worship in the temple. He underlines respect for the priesthood and its responsibilities, and reminds the people that purity and sincerity are essential for true religion.

Malachi’s name comes from the Hebrew for “my messenger,” probably from his mention of the coming of a messenger to prepare the way for the Covenant. This passage is quoted in the Gospels to refer to the role of John in the coming feast.

Malachi also affirms the universal fatherhood of God and emphasizes how the Gentiles also worship him. His book is the last in the Old Testament canon. (NS)

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