Isaiah 55: 1-3
Thus says the Lord:
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The Unimaginable Love of God
Sometimes the words of Scripture are so beautiful we do a disservice to them if we comment on them at all. Today’s readings are that beautiful. Revisit, and sit with, the first and second readings (Romans 8: 35, 37-39) of today. Let the words of Isaiah and Paul wash over you. Look at them each day this week. Let them be the first thing on your mind when you arise and the last thing you speak before you sleep.
God loves us more than we could ever imagine.
—Fr. Paul J. Shelton, SJ, is the provincial assistant for vocations for the Midwest Jesuits. If you are interested in becoming a Jesuit, or know someone who might be a good Jesuit, visit beajesuit.org.
Prayer
In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen
–Traditional Catholic Funeral Prayer