Memory of Jesus crucified

Reading of the Word of God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

This is the Gospel of the poor,
liberation for the imprisoned,
sight for the blind,
freedom for the oppressed.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Isaiah 48,17-19

Thus says Yahweh, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God and teach you for your own good, I lead you in the way you ought to go. If only you had listened to my commandments! Your prosperity would have been like a river and your saving justice like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been numbered like the sand, your offspring as many as its grains. Their name would never be cancelled or blotted out from my presence.

 

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

The Son of Man came to serve,
whoever wants to be great
should become servant of all.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

The Word of the Lord reminds his people of his presence in a world that easily distances itself from him, thinking it can find a better life. In reality, life is never good far from God: it quickly becomes sad and violent. The weakest know this best, because they are quickly cast aside and abandoned. We urgently must take our eyes off ourselves and see the Lord and his love for us. The prophet presents a God who is close to his people, who accompanies them, and who above all asks to be recognized and loved. We all know from experience how easy it is to be caught up in ourselves, our rhythms and our worries, and to forget the Lord and his love. And when we get used to living unaware of God's presence, it is easier to let ourselves be dragged into a dull and meaningless life. The Lord alone knows how to guide our steps towards the path of peace. Through the prophets, the Lord continues to speak to his people - and to us - reminding us to welcome his Word and put it into practice. Listening to it is a blessing for our lives. Illuminated by the Word, we will become a blessing for many. This is what happened to Abraham, who listened to the voice of the Lord, trusted in him, and became a blessing for many.