How often in times of sickness, bereavement, or other struggles have we found hope and comfort in Christ? In today’s first reading the people of Israel speak of the disaster which they acknowledge, was caused by sin. Yet God is their hope. God will feed the people with the best of food, remove mourning and shame and destroy death. God’s mercy is superabundant since it is for “all people” and not just a few. Not only as a group but personally as well, God will wipe away the tears from our cheeks. This passage concludes with joy. They hoped that God would save them and he did. We rejoice also that we are right to hope in God. He alone is our hope. This reading reminds us that God’s kingdom will be like a feast of rich food, celebrated on God’s mountain where God promises to swallow up death forever. He is the God of life and abundance. He reaches out to wipe the tears from the eyes of those in pain. May we never lose our hope in him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, we hope in you. Amen.