Your people awaited the salvation of the just…
What are we hoping for?
The story of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt on the night of the passover is recounted over and over throughout Jewish history. The Book of Wisdom reminds us that, throughout their trials in Egypt, God continued to champion the cause of the people of Israel, who suffered but were never forgotten. It was their trust in God that saw them through, for they put their faith in the promises or oaths of the Lord, and so, when the time came, they did as the Lord told Moses they must do, applying blood to the doorposts of their homes so that the angel of the Lord might pass over them. Because they acted in faith, God cared for them. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own, Psalm 33 reminds us. The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness.
Like the disciples whom Jesus bids be ready to open immediately to the call of God, we must not be afraid any longer. The prudent steward in Luke’s Gospel was prepared for the return of his master; finding him vigilant upon his arrival, the master blesses the servant with good fortune. Jesus tells the disciples that the Father is pleased to give them the kingdom, if only they understand the inexhaustible treasure that awaits them. For their part, the disciples have faith in God’s promise, a promise sealed with Jesus’ death and rising. For as the Letter to the Hebrews gently reminds us, faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Like Abraham, we act by faith, trusting that our hope will be fulfilled; faith spurs us on, helping us to stay on track as we pray for fulfillment of the kingdom of God for all.
Our soul waits for the Lord to bring salvation to bear on our lives. Though we sometimes struggle to embrace God’s kingdom, we need to maintain our faith in the power of God’s love to save us, continuing with hearts and minds open, living for what we hope for. For the eyes of the Lord are upon us, too, as we await the salvation of the just!
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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