A House of Prayer for All

 

LECTIO:

             Reading 1

Is 56:1, 6-7

Thus says the LORD:
Observe what is right, do what is just;
for my salvation is about to come,
my justice, about to be revealed.

The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
ministering to him,
loving the name of the LORD,
and becoming his servants—
all who keep the sabbath free from profanation
and hold to my covenant,
them I will bring to my holy mountain
and make joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
for my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples.

STUDIUM:

This was written after the Babylonian Exile. The beautiful Jerusalem temple has been rebuilt and religion and theology were examined.  What was the true nature of religion?  What did God want from His people?  Justice? Accepting foreigners? 

    Accepting non-Israelites who loved God and tried to do His Will would have access to God's justice.   All who loved the Lord will have access to God's temple.  God's house will become "a house of prayer for all people."

MEDITATIO:

Whew!  Isaiah accepts non-Jews.  We are acceptable as God's people.  But we must strive toward becoming servants of the Lord.  We must keep the sabbath.  We mustn't profane the Lord and obey the Commandments.   Then, we will be worthy to enter into God's promises.

ORATIO:

I see Lord, that You promise me what you have always promised to Your Chosen.  Please grant me the grace of obedience to do Your Will.

CONTEMPLATIO:

"...Do what is just; My salvation is about to come."

RESOLUTIO:

I will pray for unity of all people so that God's house will be a house of prayer for all.