SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

I will nourish you. 

Throughout the Bible, we often see a familiar cycle play out: God rescues his people from danger and makes a covenant with them—but they soon fall away. From saving Noah from the flood to delivering Moses and his people from slavery, God continually shows his faithful love. But the people allow the difficulties of life to overwhelm them, and they begin to doubt his promises and turn away from him.

Today’s first reading describes one of these cycles: God had rescued his people from exile in Babylon. Full of joy, they returned and began to rebuild Jerusalem and its Temple. But the work went slowly, neighboring tribes began to threaten them with invasion, and the people grew discouraged. Before long, some of them gave up on the Lord and began to exploit the laborers and ignore the needs of the poor (Nehemiah 5:1-6).

Despite this situation, our first reading speaks a message of hope. God’s people may have sinned and fallen away, but God always kept his covenant with them. He called them to return to the ways he had taught them—to put their sins behind them and work for justice. Even more, he forgave their sins and renewed his promise to “nourish” and strengthen them for the work of rebuilding (Isaiah 58:14).

How often do we allow our fears or challenging situations around us to lead us into sin? How often do we give up on God and stop trusting in his promises because life isn’t going the way we had hoped? We may lash out in frustration or bend the rules to try to meet our own needs because we doubt that God will take care of us. But hear God’s promise: if we honor him and trust him by living in love, he stands ready to provide for us.

Today in prayer, focus on God’s faithfulness. Proclaim that he will provide for you as you follow his ways and trust in him. As you pray, fast, and give alms this Lent, rely on the Lord and watch for his blessings. He always keeps his promises.

“Lord, help me put my trust in you.”

Isaiah 58:9-14
Psalm 86:1-6
Luke 5:27-32