The way toward hope

Today’s first reading (Isaiah 62:1-5) is a prophecy for the restoration of Israel, and yet as we continue to see the horrific images of the already-impoverished but now earthquake-ravaged land of Haiti, it is hard not to think also of that place and of the hope that still burns in the hearts of many.

No more shall people call you "Forsaken,"
or your land "Desolate"...

To be sure, the immediate tragedy is far, far from over – people are still buried in rubble and more will still die from lack of water and medical treatment – but responding to the tragedy and building for the future are not disconnected.

What can be done to save these people and to cure that country of its perennial desolation?

First of all, the grace of God can do great miracles, not the least of which is to turn to productive action the hearts of those who oppress and of those who despair.

As Christ turned water into wine in today’s Gospel (John 2:1-11), so may He also change the hearts of all the people who can change the fate of Haiti.

Also, as we hear in today’s second reading (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), the Holy Spirit can and deos work in many diverse and wonderful ways.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts
but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service
but the same Lord;
there are different workings
but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.

To each individual
the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit
the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge
according to the same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person
as he wishes.

May we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and may we act as the Spirit wishes.