We often hear from the prophet Isaiah in the holy season of Lent. Today’s short reading from Isaiah gives hope and encouragement to the people of Israel as they near the end of their exile in Babylon. This message aims to give them consolation, not to ridicule them for their lack of faith. God proclaims that he has plans for the world, that his plan will not be stopped. His plans have the well-being of his creation in mind. These words are reflected in the God of love and mercy that Pope Francis often spoke about. Through poetic words, Isaiah describes how the aim of God’s word will be realized in a way similar to the gentle rain making the earth fertile for the seed to sprout and to grow and to bring us a bountiful harvest. But, we have to open our lives and our hearts to God’s word. We have to be open to studying it and learning from it. We have to make an effort in our life of faith, not mired in complacency. The holy season of Lent is like that as well. We have to be willing to engage in our life of faith in this holy season, to come up with a plan, and to devote ourselves to our Lenten disciplines or prayer, fasting, and works of charity. May we listen to this message from Isaiah today and actively engage in it.
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