Hope amid emptiness and sorrow

Yesterday it was said that nearly two million people have lost jobs this year and that one in ten are behind on their mortgages.

It is a worrisome time and it can be hard to see a way forward.

The opening words of today’s first reading (Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26) give us assurance and hope as we strive to keep walking forward in this world, faithful to our loving God.

Thus says the Lord GOD,
the Holy One of Israel:
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem,
no more will you weep;
He will be gracious to you when you cry out,
as soon as he hears he will answer you.
The Lord will give you the bread you need
and the water for which you thirst.

No longer will your Teacher hide himself,
but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
While from behind,
a voice shall sound in your ears:
“This is the way; walk in it,”
when you would turn to the right or to the left.

(Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner)