Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Isaiah 10:5-7.13b-16; Matthew 11:25-27)
In trying to come to terms with the great evils that have
racked humankind, some theologians have concluded that God has no power over
forces like armies or hurricanes.
Rather, they say, God only inspires people to carry out His will like a
father might encourage his sons not to defile the family name. However, it is hard to square such a weak
conception of God with Scripture as we see in the first reading today.
Assyria is a mighty power in the first third of the
millennium before Christ. Scripture sees
it becoming God’s instrument to punish the Northern Kingdom of Israel for the
latter’s wickedness. However, according
to Isaiah, Assyria has gone too far in its demolition of Israel. Now, the prophet predicts, God will call
Assyria to account for its excesses. In
fact, Babylonia will conquer Assyria a hundred years later.
When we suffer, we should call to mind that God is in
control of the universe and all that is within it. Although we cannot understand why He allows
good people to undergo terrible misfortune, we still can turn to God in prayer
for mercy. We should not doubt an
instant that God loves us and will come to our assistance.
