Wellspring of the Gospel

 

Year A: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: Isaiah 8: 23-9: 3

An echo of Christmas night - when we read this prophecy from Isaiah in full.

It was written at a time when the people of Israel really were living in the shadow of death and oppression - weighed down under the yoke - under the bar - the rod of the oppressor. The situation seemed hopeless. Where were the leaders - the people who could fight against such an enemy.

Isaiah speaks of their situation as a humbling - a people grown so sure of doing things under their own strength that they forgot their need of God.

The Hebrew people saw events in their history as intervention by God - and so they interpreted the Exile and oppression as being permitted by God to teach them a lesson.

But, it is not unalloyed misery.

Although they accept their guilt - and see their oppression as punishment - and, no doubt, some resented God for allowing it to happen - they also still feel the Hand of God upon them.

Yes - these times are hard - and yes, we are overwhelmed by the darkness at the moment - and yes, it is hard to see God in it all.

But - all the same, we also know that God does not abandon His people forever. God has a Covenant - and will be faithful to it - even if He seems to be slow in acting.

It is a faith that we can see in many oppressed peoples. In situations that might bring our own faith to breaking-point, from somewhere comes the unshakeable faith and trust that God will redeem the situation.

We feel awe when  we witness such faith - and maybe in thanking God for it in others - should maybe pray for some of it ourselves...

 

What does it mean for me?

Waterlily When have you seen great faith in someone - particularly someone under great pressure?

What seemed to be at the heart of their faith? What sustained them through the dark times?

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