Isaiah
was a Hebrew Prophet who lived about 700 years before the coming of Christ. His
writing style revealed a well-educated man, distinguished and privileged.
Jewish tradition says he was of royal descent even a cousin to King Uzziah. His
mastery of language, rich vocabulary and poetic skills earned him the title the
“Shakespeare of the Bible.” Through his encouragement, God stirs up in his
exiled people in Babylon the hope of their return to Israel. He explains to
them that it was through their unfaithfulness to Him that they had lost their
liberty, had been taken captives in Babylon and had lived there in servitude
for some sixty years. God now assures them of their return to their homeland,
rebuild the Temple and serve their God once more as His Chosen People. So he
tells them to rejoice because God will accomplish what he promised.
In
today’s gospel, Matthew describes how Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s vision of the
coming of the Promised One. Though Jesus has a poor and humble origin, he
assures John who is now in prison, what Isaiah had prophesied that “the blind
regained their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the
dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” Jesus
will slowly reveal himself as the “Emmanuel and the Anointed One of God” who
will be the light and salvation for everyone. Through his teachings, he will
show himself as “Wonderful Counselor.” As Messiah, he will be shown as “the
Servant of Yahweh” who will give his life for the atonement of the sins of
humanity.
Just
as Prophet Isaiah exhorted the hopeless Israel to rejoice, this favorable
message is also for us. The directive continues to be timely and relevant for us
today as we face a depressed and discouraged world. Many do not listen to empty
promises anymore. People have become tired of futile assurances. Joy is now
absent and they are calling out for help. This existential crisis is real and
people are running out of hope and patience. We need to re-echo the
thousand-old message: “Be strong. Fear not! Here is your God; He comes to save
you!” It is God who will bring joy and hope.
Prayer:
Lord, let me understand that your presence is the real source of gladness and
joy in my life. Amen.
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