Isaiah 61

Simone Weil explains that there are different categories of need: (1) physical needs of the body; (2) spiritual needs of the soul; and (3) physical needs of the soul.  It is this third category that is most often neglected.  We tend to think of the "Good News" as primarily spiritual in content.  Yet the Good News Isaiah brings the oppressed is that God will meet the physical needs of the souls.  The gates of jails will be unlocked, and prisoners will be freed.  Devastated cities will be rebuilt, and dislocated person will reclaim their homes and heritages.  Victims of robbery and wrongdoing will be compensated, vindicated, and restored.  And in and through all this concrete, physical healing will be accomplished the healing of souls.  Mourning will be replaced by gladness; we will rejoice in the Lord.  Free, sheltered, and blessed, we-whose physical brokenness is no more--will also be healed of our spiritual brokeness.   Sin will no longer cling to us; we will instead be clothed with "the garments of salvation" and the "the robe of righteousness."

In Luke 4 Jesus said that these words in Isaiah have been "fulfilled."  If so, then why is there still so much brokenness, both physical and spiritual?  Perhaps, our frenetic materialism and yuletide over indulgences are somehow fueled by a deep yearning for physical healing that is finally essential to the healing of our souls.  Isaiah's words challenge me, therefore, to consider:  How, this season, will I attend to my and others' physical needs in ways that fully participate in the Good News?

Your Kingdom come, Lord God!  Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give all, on this day, the food they need to live and flourish.  Forgive us, as we forgive others.  Deliver us from robbery and wrongdoing and guide us into the justice and righteousness that is your promise.  Amen.

Cynthia L. Rigby

W.C. Brown Professor of Theology