In the book of Isaiah, we witness the chosen people of God as a rebellious nation. As a consequence, they were disciplined by God. However, in our reading for today, there is a reversal because of the people's repentance. They are told that they will "weep no more"; that God "will be gracious to you when He hears your cry"; and that "when He hears He will answer"(v 19). Furthermore, even though they were treated like prisoners, eating "the bread of suffering" and drinking "the water of distress", - the seemingly absent God will be visible; and the seemingly silent God will speak and be heard. And as if these were not enough, Isaiah the prophet tells the people that God will bless their land and livestock; every way will be abundant (vv 23-25). And to top it all, the Lord will dress "the wounds of His people" and heal "the bruises His blows have left" (v 26).

We are now in Advent. As a penitential season, we are given this sacred time to come before God to examine ourselves, confess and repent of our sins. When we do that, we will experience God's forgiveness, mercy, love and blessings, as the people of God did in the book of Isaiah. And we will know first-hand what the Psalmist says, that God "heals the broken-hearted" and "binds up all their wounds"

(Ps 147:3). So, let us "seek the Lord while He is still to be found, call to Him while He is still near." (Isaiah 55:6)