Today’s Readings – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent - First Reading

Commentary on Isaiah 49:8-15

The reading is part of a celebration of the people’s joyful return from their exile in Babylon to their home in Jerusalem. It comes from Second Isaiah, a book full of hope and consolation which looks forward to the end of the exile and the people’s going home again.

The Hebrews are still in exile and though their lives are led in hardship and bitterness, the prophet assures them that better times are on the way. This is in response to the cry of God’s people.

"At the time of my favour I have answered you.” The reference is probably to the year of jubilee, but the return from exile will bring about the same restoration of land for the people as the jubilee did for those who, because of debt problems, may have had … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent - First Reading

Commentary on Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12

About today’s passage from Ezekiel, the Vatican II Missal states:

"In the Middle East, desert land was commonplace and water all-important. Water was a symbol of God’s saving grace. The prophet Ezekiel described a future … Continue