Renew the Ruined Cities, Reflection on Isaiah 61:1-4

The prophet is proclaiming God's welcome to the returning exiles, "You are released from your captivity." He is echoing the words from Leviticus 25 that describe the jubilee, the point at which a debtor is freed from burden and allowed to return home.

We are reading this scripture during Advent;  so, we usually interpret these words during this season as predicting how much better off we'll be when Christ returns. This year, I'm struck by how they fit not only the Advent season but also the specific economic condition in which so many are finding themselves this day.

Jubilee is intended to forgive debts and to allow people back in their homes.

Can we read financial rescue into Isaiah's words, or is better not to? Do we think that God cares about financial debts as well as moral sins? Can we pray for forgiveness of both?

http://occupywallst.org/article/building-new-structures-on-k-street/

Lectio Divina: Isaiah 61:1,4