After the tears

Life may not be going well right now.

There may be much to fear and there may be much to regret.

There may also be much to mourn.

Today’s readings – our Lord’s feeding of the multitude (Matthew 15:29-37) and the messianic prophecy of Isaiah (25:6-10a) – remind us that after the tears and troubles we suffer in this world God is preparing infinite comfort for those who remain faithful:

On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.

On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations;
he will destroy death forever.

The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth;
for the LORD has spoken.

On that day it will be said:
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”