This week we’re reading in our lectionary key passages from the Prophet Isaiah, the most frequently referenced Old Testament source in the New Testament, after the psalms. Our readings are from Isaiah, chapters 1-38, generally considered from the prophet himself. They reflect the political situation in 8th century Judea. (742-701)
Isaiah’s vision of God (Saturday, 14th week) dominates his spirituality. The vision of the Lord enthroned in glory made him aware of the power of God and the pettiness of human politics and sinfulness that marked Judea as it became enmeshed in power politics of the great powers around it. The prophet responded to God’s call to speak to this world: “Here am I, send me.”
Our world, so fixed on politics, needs to listen to Isaiah.
Chapters 40-55 (Second Isaiah, or Deutero-Isaiah) will be read in the liturgy especially during Advent, Lent and Easter. They are generally attributed to an anonymous poet who prophesied toward the end of the Babylonian exile and contain the great oracles known as the Servant Songs, which reflect the New Testament understanding of the passion and glorification of Christ.
Chapters 55-66 (Third Isaiah, or Trito-Isaiah) contain oracles from the post-exilic period and were composed by writers who shared imbued in the spirit of Isaiah.
We are also reading from Chapter 11-12 of Matthew’s gospel. which describe a growing opposition to Jesus after his initial ministry in Galilee. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword,” Jesus says to his disciples.
We remember Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first canonized saint from the American native peoples, July 14. Holiness can be found in all people.
St. Bonaventure who brought his considerable intellectual gifts to the early Franciscan movement is remembered July 15.The saints often bring new dimensions to their religious community.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, enriches the charism of so many great religious traditions in the church by her presence. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16) enriched the Carmelite tradition.