Isaiah 49:8-15
John 5:17-30
Each year in Lent the Church gives us the opportunity to revisit the story of our salvation. It’s a story of faith and great ideals, of times of bitter disappointment and the utmost courage. In the first readings in our weekday lectionary we are invited to identify with the people of Israel. God chooses a people to be the bearers of hope and light. God chooses a people to a beacon of faithful love. Their initial hope and courage is tested to its limits when they find themselves in Exile. Just when they feel that every last glimmer of hope is lost Isaiah paints a vision of a joyful return to Jerusalem. After years of soul wearying waiting God declares that now is the ‘day of salvation.’ Into the depths of their despair and fear of abandonment, God speaks words of hope:
Does a mother forget her baby at the breast,
or fail to cherish the son of her womb?
Yet even if these forget,
I will never forget you.
Given the situations in our world today it may take more than our usual courage to hear Isaiah’s words and to know that this is a message for our times. We may not be able to influence the world situation, but every small gestures of hope in God’s promise can strengthen us in heart and mind.
Where in your own life do you most need to hear God say: ‘At the favourable time I will answer you, on the day of salvation I will help you.’ ?