1st week in Lent, Tuesday – 28th February 2023 – Isaiah 55,10-11; Mt 6,7-15
Life-Giving Movement
This short reading comes from the last chapter of the second part of Isaiah (chaps. 40-55), from the book of consolation. It presents the life-giving movement and efficacy of the Word of God, which is illustrated by the metaphor of rain and snow, an image denoting new creation. The heart of the image here is life. We are talking here about moisture – rain and snow that come down and water. The earth is not the life-giver in this illustration. It is the rain and snow, moisture from above, that causes the earth to prosper, “giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” When the earth does not receive this moisture, life shrivels-up. What is green turns brown. Seeds do not sprout and grow. And so, the natural illustration turns towards its ultimate purpose: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth.” This is about God’s word that gives life, that does what it is intended to do, that accomplishes, that succeeds in God’s purpose. This is God’s word that does not return empty: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Is 40,8). Therefore, the power of the Word of God should not be underestimated. Because God’s Word accomplishes the purposes of God – repentance, faith, and salvation. The believer participates in this work of God.
