𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 – 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Dear Friends in Christ,

Grace and peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you and your family!

R.B.Y. Scott has suggested that Isaiah chapter 34-35 in the book of the eighth century B.C.E. author, are two sides of the same coin, the desperate tone of chapter 34 are completed by the lightsome and liberated quality of chapter 35. Chapter 34 is comprised of a series of judgments to be meted in disasters of terrible and cosmic proportions, judgment that would leave Eden a ravaged waste of a land, unfit for habitation.

In contrast, chapter 35 presents a wonderful vision of redemption, spelled out in health and well being for humanity and harmony for an Eden – like earth. The same God whose judgment wrought havoc for the nations would bring vindication and bliss for Israel. The prophet Isaiah envisioned Yahweh (God), saving judge and bringer of peace coming as vindicator and savior.

The first century author of James chapter 2:1-5 was concerned with distinction between persons based on their economic success in life. Today’s second reading in the historical context, is part of a longer section devoted to the larger subject of social discrimination. The author denounced this as entirely contradictory to and irreconcilable with faith in Jesus Christ. To act in this manner, in any century, is to judge wrongly and corruptly by false standards. The poor should be a source of edification, deserving of sincere respect.

In today’s gospel, Mark 7:31-37, W. Harrington has observed that the healing of man portrayed in the gospel pericope has the added symbolic intention of showing that the gentiles, once deaf and dumb towards God, are now, because of Jesus, made capable of hearing God and paying homage. They too have become heirs to the promise made to Israel and sharers in the freedom brought by Jesus. By his deeds and by his presence, Jesus had caused a new age to dawn, a new creation wherein all peoples could be free indeed and born anew or again in the new life of Christ, our Lord, redeemer and Savior. Glory and praise to our God!.

Have an amazing Sunday and a blessed week!

Rev. Thomas Macauley