Is 35: 1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The highway for God’s people
Given the circumstances of the pandemic, isolating at home, and social divisions, the triumphant vision from Isaiah feels strange. It seems to call for such a transformation of our reality that it may be difficult to imagine and pray for.
We’re told that a highway is there for God’s people, though. We are urged to make this incredible journey right now as we are to experience joy and gladness. Hikers know that the view at the trailhead rarely reveals the delights that wait further along or the restoration that infuses spirits during the journey. The intensity of the joy is made even greater with companions who help point out the fantastic sights and give an arm for support along the steep parts. Who can you reach out to as a companion during this stretch on our Holy Way? How will you imagine God’s promise transforming our current reality?
—Jodie Scordo is the Campus Minister and Coordinator of Student Life at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee.
God, you have given us the promise and image of restoration. Give us strength for the journey ahead during this Advent season, and companions with whom we can delight in joy and gladness. Amen.
—Jodie Scordo
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