Isaiah's powerful image of the eagle lifts our hearts in hope, as it must have encouraged and consoled the people of Israel so long ago. If we let our hearts be lightened by God in hope, they will rise on eagles' wings.

Today's reading continues yesterday's opening of the "Book of Consolation", now insisting that our consolation is assured simply because God is the creator and Lord. "The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth". This short little "creed" is the basis for Isaiah's affirmation that God is a caring, consoling, comforting God.

Perhaps sometimes we are afraid to be consoled? Perhaps we feel that we are beyond consolation, we have grown weary, are fainting, staggering and falling, as Isaiah says. Yet no matter how weary, it does not really require a great effort to raise our eyes on high, as Isaiah also counsels us. A contemplative gaze at the wonder of creation should fill our hearts with wonder and consolation at the unlimited and unwearying providential care of God.