The Old Testament constantly gave hope to the people of Israel, of a glorious future in which they would enjoy the Lord's salvation. Here Isaiah looks forward to all peoples feasting together with Israel in joy, under the Lord's protective care. How unlike the narrow Jewish concern in so many of their laws and prayers. Most unusual in these ancient traditions, the prophet also sees the destruction of death itself. So God is envisioned as tearing down the barriers between peoples and even between time and eternity.Lord, lead us into the desert to prepare our hearts for the encounter with You, and have pity on all those in agony.
The early Christians saw Jesus fulfilling all the old hopes and dreams in ways far beyond all expectations. He offered a marvelous banquet for the ordinary people who followed Him into the wilderness. He also invited the disabled and the sick whom He had cured of their ailments. Later on we learn how He conquered death once and for all in His own death. As here, His motivation in performing wonderful deeds of mercy was so often sheer compassion. He had pity on those who would go hungry.
Lord, lead us into the desert to prepare our hearts for the encounter with You, and have pity on all those in agony.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings.
Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage
discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the celebration of the Jubilee may become the source of a new commitment in men and women of good will to protect and promote human life.
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