REJOICES
I exult for joy in the Lord,
my soul REJOICES in my God,
for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation,
he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity,
like a bridegroom wearing his wreath,
like a bride adorned in her jewels.
In the three books which make up the writings ascribed to Isaiah the theme of God’s saving actions sounds loud and clear. There is good news to be heard: the time of suffering is coming to an end, God will send the Holy One and the whole of creation will be restored. If this good news is received by a faithful people they will find themselves comforted and their wounds healed.
That God’s promise is about to be fulfilled is the cause for exuberance and rejoicing. The clothing metaphor speaks to me of the security and protection that God’s promise brings. The festive wedding adornments of wreath and jewels speak of a joy that has a special intensity. This joy is shared with all who gather to celebrate a wedding.
When Mary sings her Magnificat there is a sense in which she gives voice to all the joy that Israel has ever experienced. When her ‘spirit rejoices’ it does so in thankfulness for the ways in which God has acted in covenantal relationship with Israel. This joy fills Mary’s whole being.
Where have you seen God’s promise unfold?
Are there things for which you can rejoice this Advent?
(Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11, Sunday 3 (B)