Our world needs prophets like Isaiah more than ever, who, through their words and actions, bring glad tidings, healing to the broken-hearted, and liberation to captives. Our world needs prophets who, like Isaiah, offer comfort to the grieving and announce freedom and liberation to captives and prisoners, drawing inspiration from the concept of the jubilee.
Announcing… Freedom and Liberation
The concept of freedom and liberation is reminiscent of the institution of the jubilee year among the Israelites. It was a time of restoration and symbolizes messianic deliverance and the reintegration of God’s people into their inheritance. The jubilee was a recurring event that took place every fifty years, as prescribed by the law, (Cf. Leviticus 25). During this year, Israelite slaves were set free, and those who had sold their possessions were able to reclaim their inheritance. Leviticus 25:10 states, “You shall sanctify the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” Additionally, Ezekiel 46:17 refers to that year as a year of freedom. This institution aimed to provide Israel with periodic restoration and serves as a beautiful image of the era of grace that the Messiah will proclaim, culminating in the reintegration of God’s people into their inheritance. Having themselves experienced slavery in the land of Egypt, these words of Isaiah must have had a special echo in their lives.
Reflecting on Isaiah’s words, we ponder our own role. Are we like Isaiah, agents of liberation for others, or do we require liberation ourselves? Working to free victims of human trafficking, forced labor, and abuse of power and authority demands both human courage and divine grace. In the inaugural discourse of His mission, Jesus referred to this text of Isaiah, explaining His mission plan. (Cf. Luke 4,18). He is indeed the One who can set us free from slavery of sin and its consequences. No wonder why He said, “If the Son of Man sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (Cf. John 8, 36). Isaiah portrays the benefits of salvation through various symbols. Ashes represent mourning, while a diadem symbolizes joy and exaltation. Humility is essential before God, as Jesus exemplified through His own humility.
Proclaiming a Year of Grace and a Day of Vengeance
Vengeance (the punishment of the enemies of God and his people) is inseparable from the salvation of the faithful. God’s grace towards his people is manifested, among other things, in the judgment of the world that oppressed them. Revelation 12:10 states that ‘now salvation has come, and the mighty reign of His Christ, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them day and night before our God, has been cast down.” The moment of divine wrath is for a while, but eternal is God’s grace and favor (Psalms 30:6). This contrast between a year of grace and a day of divine wrath shows us how merciful God is; He wants everyone to be saved; He does everything possible to draw everyone to Himself, but sometimes God’s Love proposal is met with refusal, rejection, and indifference.
Baptism and Confirmation as the Oil of Joy
The oil, which is anointed on the heads of guests at banquets in the Jewish tradition, signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit for us today. Through our baptism and confirmation, we are clothed with the Spirit. However, we also need to acknowledge and allow the Spirit to guide our daily choices. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of joy in the lives of Christians. Don’t we all crave this divine joy that Jesus spoke about in John 15:11? “that His joy might remain in us and that our joy might be full!”
Following Jesus daily and being transformed by Him requires great courage in today’s world. On this day, we invoke the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua, whose feast we celebrate, to inspire and guide us in our journey as missionary-disciples of Jesus.
