21 August 2022 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
For I know their works and their thoughts, and I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them.
From Isaiah 66:18-21 (NRSV)
Today we hear words from the last chapter of Isaiah. By this time Israel had returned from exile and settled back in Jerusalem. God saw that the people of Israel were now more mature and ready to look outwards to people from other nations and to help bring them to salvation. God’s ambition for the salvation of others was evident in the list of countries Isaiah presented. He did not list nearby countries but those that were far distant. This brings to mind Christ’s parting words to his apostles when he told them that they were to be witnesses to the whole world – a task that is shared by all who follow Christ.
- What do suppose the “sign” that Isaiah mentions refers to?
- Who are the people that God wants to save today?
Reflect on the ways on which you do and could bring the message of salvation to others.
