Comfortable words

Today’s very familiar first reading from the prophet Isaiah (the source of at least five selections from Handel’s Messiah) is especially appropriate for us in these contentious times – in secular society and even in the Church.

Both of today’s readings remind us that, while we must always remain strong and clear in our faith, we must never forget our obligation to do what we can to help lost sheep come to the Lord and to speak tenderly words of true comfort.