I have grasped you by the hand

These are difficult days for many.

The Lord’s words in the prophecy of Isaiah (42:1-4, 6-7) – one of the selections available for today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord – are words of comfort, courage and strength in difficult times, for as unworthy as we are, we are His servants, by the power of His grace.

Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit...

I, the LORD,
have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon,
those who live in darkness.

The Lord is grasping us by the hand.