Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Once again, one needs to look at the content of the first reading to appreciate why a particular Psalm is chosen as a meditative response. Second Isaiah in today’s reading informs the people that God will deliver them from the suffering of their dispersed captivity by foreign powers. Notice the words Isaiah uses to indicate God’s purpose: “Sing out. O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.” Not surprisingly, therefore, today’s Psalm 147 picks up and elaborates this theme: “The LORD is gracious and merciful… The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. etc.” Notice the Gospel reading chosen for today. Our biggest affliction is the prospect of death. Jesus promises that we will conquer death through resurrection with him. What we need to bear in mind at all times, is that God always gives us a choice. He won’t comfort us if we persist in rejecting him. Thus, the season of Lent is to focus on where our choices really are.