He will make your bones strong

Ish 58:9-14, Lk. 5:27-32. Jesus offers everyone freedom from bondage and the joy of living a life to the full. In doing so, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah in today's first reading. The promise that our God will always be near us, to guide us in our actions and in our acceptance of what we cannot presently change, is a deep source of serenity. Isaiah adds series of powerful metaphors, to reinforce the message of a caring God: "He will make your bones strong; you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt." This is the kind of conviction on which a person of faith can build and which gives full meaning to any good effort we make for this Lenten season.

Stern moral critics objected to Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. In their view, eating with tax collectors and sinners risked being contaminated by them. They would keep separate from such people in order to preserve their moral health and their reputation. However, Jesus did not share this concern. Rather than being infected by our sins, His goodness, that is, God’s goodness in Him, will make us well. He is not affected by our faults; but we are ennobled by His holiness. Christ does not desert us, even if we let Him down by what we do or fail to do. He continues to interact with us, as our motivator and inspiration in life.

May the Lord help us to remove our yoke, guide our ways, strengthen our bones, recreate us like a watered garden and rebuild our ancient ruins! Amen!! Good morning and happy weekend!!!