The God of Our Fathers Gives Us Hope

I was moved by the simple beauty of this weekend's first reading, taken from the Book of Isaiah. Its theme is the vindication of the Holy City, Jerusalem, but its relevance to us is unmistakable. As Catholics, we are called to abandon our lukewarm attitudes, to address evils and controversies, not to pretend they will go away on their own terms. They won't. This reading, perfectly captures this spirit of faith, and states it with such eloquence as can not be of merely human origin.

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.
You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken, “
or your land “Desolate, “
but you shall be called “My Delight, “
and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land His spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.

Hail Christ, King of the World.

We will not rest silent until all the world adore Your Sacred Name.