“YOU MAKE SMOOTH THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS” (Isa 26:7)

⏰Thursday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (19 July 2018)

📖Isa 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 (R.v.20b); Matt 11:28-30

The book of the prophe Isaiah is normally divided into three parts in relation to Israel’s exile:
Chapters 1-39 (seen as pre-exilic collections – prophecies before the exile);
Chapters 40-55 (exilic collections – prophecies during the exile);
Chapters 56-66 (post-exilic collections – prophecies after the exile.

Even though Chapters 25-27 are included in the first 39 Chapters, that is the pre-exilic collections, they are actually and rightly considered as belonging to the post-exilic era. These chapters extol the victory of the Lord over the adversaries of the people of God.

Isaiah 26:1-19 is regarded as the song of trust which indicates that the Lord rescues the righteous from danger and suffering. Remember that the people of Israel laboured in vain, especially in the land of exile without achieving much. But now, the Lord speaks through the mouth of the prophet that the dead shall live again and those who are fallen shall rise (cf. Isa 26:19).

Do you believe that that prophecy is for you too?

Then listen to what Jesus is telling us all today, “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). He is the promised Emmanuel who has come to rescue the righteous remnant. If only we can come to him in righteousness, he is ever ready to take away the burdens that weigh us down.

May God grant us the grace of following him in righteousness and trust, and so gain his protective love and liberation. Amen.

Have a smooth day under the protective care of Christ, the Immanuel. Peace be with you.