Scripture scholars believe that the 49th chapter of Isaiah was written after the first phase of refugees from Babylon relocated back to Jerusalem in 539 BCE after being in exile for 70 years. The people had suffered greatly for having been taken away from the land that God had promised to them. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord gives them encouragement and hope. The message calls the prisoners to liberation and those in darkness to light. Like a mother who does not abandon her child, God will not abandon his people. Although these words would have been very welcome to the people of Israel, I am sure they were rather skeptical based on the experience they had in exile.
As we hear these words of hope during our Lenten journey, we celebrate Cyril of Jerusalem today. Cyril lived in a difficult time in Church history. The heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ, was gaining popularity during Cyril’s lifetime. He was Bishop of Jerusalem during the 4th century. One of the most valuable things Cyril left us was he catechesis that was used in the Lenten season in preparing adults for baptism at Easter. This work is a great example of theology and liturgy in the Early Church. Cyril was exiled several times as Bishop in response to his defense of the Church and of the faith. Yet, in the midst of the challenges he faced in life, he leaves us these encouraging and comforting words about how the Holy Spirit works within us: “The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console.” Cyril of Jerusalem was named a Doctor of the Church in 1883 for his teachings on the Catholic faith. We unite our prayers with Cyril of Jerusalem and all the community of saints today.
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