Wellspring of the Gospel

 

Year A: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-10

The First Reading has been chosen to reflect the Wedding Feast image used by Jesus in the Gospel.

Isaiah had prophesied that Israel would suffer the consequences of her failure to live up to the values expected of her - but also often reassured the people that God would not abandon them.

The reading is often used at funerals - since it speaks of the promise that , one day, when the reign of God is established on earth, the “mourning veil” - the shroud - all symbols of death will be taken from humanity. God Himself will wipe away the tears from their eyes.

On that day, God will lay before His people a sumptuous banquet and delight in sharing the richness of His bounty with them.

To an impoverished people, this vision would have been filled with hope. For us too, it is a powerful promise.

We have been invited to a banquet where all peoples of all ages will be represented. We will find that God Himself is our host and that we are treated as special guests.

All the pain of life will fall away as we proclaim that this is our God - and look what our God has done for us!

What does it mean for me?

Waterlily What promise does this reading hold for you and for your loved ones who have died?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

| Gospel | First Reading | Second Reading |

  | Weekly Wellsprings |