Isaiah 49:8-15 / John 5:17-30
Some people feel that the Old Testament is a bit too difficult to understand with its many historical accounts and also a bit difficult to relate with especially with those accounts of violence and brutality.
So generally people would prefer reading the Gospels and leave it at that.
Yet it is undeniable that the Old Testament texts are full of imagery and it also portrays graphically the message that it wants to convey.
Today's 1st reading is an example of good news of salvation being announced in a way that the listeners can even see what they are hearing.
Yes the Lord has has not abandoned His people nor has He forgotten them, just as a women does not forget her baby at her breast.
But just as much as the 1st reading announced good news, the gospel text sounded like a confrontation and the hostility was even moving towards the intention of killing Jesus.
It is astounding to know that the good news was there in the person of Jesus, right in front of them, but yet they fail to see, and even had thoughts that were far from charitable.
We who are gathered here in the Eucharist, hear the good news, see the good news in the Real Presence of Jesus and even come into communion with Him, we should give thanks and praise the Lord.
As the 1st reading puts it - Shout for joy, exult, break into happy cries!
Yes the Lord consoles His people, and takes pity on those who are afflicted. Let us give thanks and praise the Lord.