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The Lord, working in the midst of the people of Israel, bestowed some of the spirit of Moses on seventy elders which was further extended to two more elders who were not present at the time. In the words of the author of the book of Numbers: “Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, he bestowed it on the seventy elders….” These elders were given some of the spirit of Moses, …that they may share the burden of the people with you (Moses). You will then not have to bear it by yourself.

According to our first reading from the book of Wisdom, the just one is confronted with many trials because of his fidelity to God. The just one is accused of setting himself against the doings of the wicked, reproaches them for the transgressions of the law, and charges them for violations of their training. The wicked one decided to inflict the just one with torture, condemn him to a shameful death and wait to see if God will save or deliver him.

For the second week, we are reading from the prophecy of Isaiah. Today we read from one of his messianic prophecies. In other words, his prophecy today is about Jesus Christ. He declared: “The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear: and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me…my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced”. This text is usually read during the Stations of the Cross at Lenten season. Jesus went through this experience of suffering and persecution on Good Friday for our salvation. Jesus speaks of this in the gospel of today.

Some people leave in fear for different reasons. Some are afraid of the future especially with regard to their financial security, lack of job or loss of job position. Some are afraid because of existing health conditions or a new diagnosis, family dynamics, delay in getting a life partner, delay in pregnancy after marriage and many other reasons. While these reasons may be legitimate reasons to be concerned in life, we are nevertheless encouraged today by Isaiah, the prophet of the Lord: “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes…to save you.” It’s instructive to hear Isaiah remind us that God is here. God is always here with us. In fact, he is closest to us when we face any of the above problems. All we need to do is to bring whatever is troubling us to the Lord in prayer. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened.