SAINT JUAN DIEGO CUAUHTLATOATZIN (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

The hand of the Lord has done this.

After fifty years in exile, the time had come for God to lead the people of Judah home. Decades earlier, they had been subjected to a forced march through the rough terrain of Jordan and Syria before entering Babylon. But now God promises to lead them back along a lush, fertile road. They will follow the same route as before, but the journey will be radically different. It will be clear that only God could have produced so much life—both in them and around them—in such a lifeless environment.

Now, there’s no archaeological evidence of a 900-mile-long strip of land suddenly blooming back in 537 BC. But the returning exiles wouldn’t have expected that anyway. No, they understood that God was talking about the joy and growing excitement their hearts would feel as they drew closer to Jerusalem. Finally, their exile was coming to a close! At last, the time had come for them to rebuild their life with the Lord.

What about you? Do you believe that God can bring new life to areas of your heart that have seemed dead for years? Or have you resigned yourself to the thought that nothing could be done about them?

If that describes you, then take some time today to look back over the first readings from Mass for the past week or so. Again and again, God promises life where once there was death. Again and again, he promises healing and restoration for the barren and wounded places in your soul. He can heal long-held resentments, break the bonds of guilt over past failings, and help you find victory over current sinful habits.

Who but God can accomplish such marvels? And like the Israelites, you will see them as you persevere in your journey with him. Yes, he asks you to cooperate with him, but he also promises that as you do, you’ll begin to see changes beyond your expectations. As you persist in coming to him and following his word, you’ll look back at where you’ve come from and proclaim in gratitude, “The hand of the Lord has done this!”

“Lord, I believe that you can do the impossible in me. Help me to surrender to you so that I can know your healing touch!”

Psalm 145:1, 9-13
Matthew 11:11-15
Isaiah 41:13-20