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Before Sunday

 The Second Sunday after Epiphany

 Psalm 96

 Isaiah 62:1-5

 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

 John 2:1-11

 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5

The imagery of marriage is used constantly throughout the Bible to depict the relationship of God to His children. It begins with Adam and Eve in the Garden; it frames the prophet Hosea’s love and concern for God’s people; it depicts the relationship of Christ and the Church in St. Paul’s instruction; and it culminates with the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation. Here in Isaiah, the great prophet speaks tenderly to God’s people about the promise of restoration, even in the midst of their captivity.

Mother Theresa was once asked what was the greatest scourge upon humanity. Her life had been filled with ministry to the sick, the destitute, and the handicapped. What she said, however, was revealing: “The greatest scourge upon humanity is loneliness.”

The ancient Hebrews were in exile in Babylon. They were separated from all that was familiar to them – worship, culture, even family. While their captivity was at times calm and even prosperous, the fact that they were captives never escaped them.

How many people live today in their own “captivity?” Even though they may be prosperous and comfortable in many ways, they are isolated and alone. They may be married, but feel estranged from their spouse. They may have children, but sense a deep loss of love and relationship with those they brought into this world. They may be surrounded by friends, but the friendship is not strong enough or deep enough to penetrate the pain and sadness within.

Isaiah spoke to those in exile, those held in captivity. God loves His people like a bridegroom loves his bride. God delights in His children like a husband delights over the wife on their wedding day.

 We often think of how God might affect our hearts, but it is also good to think of how we affect God’s heart, and not just when we grieve Him when we sin, but how we bring delight and joy to Him simply because we are the objects of His loving passion and wondrous grace. – Marc Robertson

A Prayer

  Heavenly Father, who delights in bestowing upon Your children both love and grace, give us a sense of that divine delight, that we might not be held captive in our loneliness, but rather might rejoice in your everlasting care for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.