But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day, the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. -Is 29:17-17-19
Friends, God is good, all the time.
The prophet Isaiah's characteristic as a great prophet was to assure the world of the Messiah's advent and offer some enduring evidence that marks his presence with us. The link between Isaiah's prophecy today and Christ's action towards the blind men do not take much detailed and careful study of the passages to notice.
According to the prophet, God's love for the gentiles, which will be manifest in the Messiah, will be like his passion for Israel. Just as Israel is described as the vineyard of the Lord of Host, so will the gentile world, here called Lebanon to become the Lord's forest of orchards, a fruitful field. The idea here is that just as a forest is full of life, growth, and abundance, so will there be blessings and abundance of healing, joy, support, protection, grace, and fullness of life in the world through Christ.
Isaiah's prophecy that “On that day, the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" is exemplified in the healing of the blind men who called Jesus, Son of David, a designation of the Messiah’s association with David.
Today's readings should be the silver lining for us as we look forward to a brighter time ahead when the pandemic will be no more. When Jesus asked the blind men, "Do you believe I can do this?' They said, "Yes Lord." And remember, we must always say yes.
Prayer blessings: Today let us await an amazing blessing by praying the Angelus. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace…