Pandemics and Eternal Perspective
To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 9, Day 3 – What Some Dismiss and Despise, We Wear as a Garment of Praise
Awake, awake,
put on your strength, O Zion;
put on your beautiful garments,
O Jerusalem, the holy city;
for there shall no more come into you
the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Shake yourself from the dust, arise,
O captive Jerusalem;
loose the bonds from your neck,
O captive daughter of Zion.
For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing,
and you shall be redeemed without money.”
Isaiah 52:1–3
Most of us will never know what it is like to live in captivity, though certainly there are those among us who have faced prison, divorce, addiction, loneliness, depression, and many other painful forms of spiritual bondage. Yet when we encounter Jesus and his redeeming love, we are able to shake off the dust of desolation, loose the bonds of oppression and fear, and rejoice with great gladness over our new life in Christ. We can proudly wear this garment of praise and proclaim the joy that is ours as Catholics.
The Bible compares our resurrection life to waking from a nightmarish slumber. In the light of Christ’s love, we see clearly what it means to walk as a believer robed in our salvation. We have been set free from the tyranny of sin and the captivity of our fallen lives. Even if we continue to face struggles, we do so with the grace of our faith to sustain us through the hard times. That truth should lead to open, unceasing, and joyful praise!
Questions for Reflection
What forms of captivity have you experienced during your life? Are there any that you still experience?
How has Jesus rescued you from the nightmare of sin to revel in his strength?
Do you allow Jesus’ resurrection life to lead you to joyful praise and Christlike action toward others? What impact has this had on you and on the people in your life?
Praying with Scripture
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Heb 13:15)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
