The Lord told the Israelites such good news through the prophet Isaiah that it seemed "too good to be true." He told a people in exile that He would favor them, answer their prayers, help them, and restore their land (Is 49:8). The Lord promised prisoners that He would free and feed them and bring them out of darkness (Is 49:9). He told the Israelites to sing out and rejoice because He was bringing them home after forty years in exile (Is 49:13). Israel's negative reaction to all this good news was: "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me" (Is 49:14). The Lord promised that He would never forget us (Is 49:15). Still, the Israelites and many of us do not believe God after all the tragedies in our lives.

If you aren't rejoicing with expectant faith in the Lord's promises, ask yourself what event in your life has poisoned your faith in God. Are you angry with God? Why are you blaming Him? Instead of blaming the Lord for the tragedies in your life, talk it through with Him. If you work through these deep hurts, you will find that the Lord has never stopped loving you. He understands what you are going through, for He suffered the ultimate rejection and tragedy of crucifixion, during which He likewise struggled to believe in His Father's love (see Mt 27:46). Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me" (Jn 14:1).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009

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