Gathering, a Reflection on Isaiah 43:3-7

Isaiah was speaking to a people who knew great distress and disruption. He reminded them that the Lord their God had rescued their ancestors and would rescue them as well.

Every year (or, alrmost every year) I read Disciplines, the book of daily devotions published by Upper Rooms Books.

The entry for January 7, 2010, written by Cristian de la Rosa, talks about the experience of African and Latin American people who have struggled, and are struggling. The words of assurance from Isaiah are still timely--because people are still struggling.

It is very difficult to discern the voice of God in our own time. ....However, the memory of suffering is there ... and it interrupts history. These interruptions can help us claim our humanity as people of God--again listening to the voice of God and recognizing the accompaniment of God as we walk with those who suffer--in our own suffering or our memory of suffering.

Lectio Divina: Isaiah 43:5; Psalm 29:7-9