Friends, welcome to Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. Word on Fire is an

apostolate dedicated to the mission of evangelization using media both old and

new to share the faith on every continent and to facilitate an encounter with

Christ and His Church. The efforts of Word on Fire engage the culture and bring

the transformative power of God's Word where it is most needed. Today we invite

you to join Bishop Robert Barron as he preaches the gospel and shares the

warmth and light of Christ with each one of us.

Peace be with you. Friends, our first reading for this weekend is taken from the

magnificent 60-second chapter of the prophet Isaiah. The prophet is speaking of

the return of Israel from its desperate exile in Babylon. After years of

suffering and degradation, the people are coming home finally to Jerusalem. Now

here's what Isaiah says,

"...Nation shall be hold your vindication and all kings your glory. You shall be

a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord. No more shall people call you forsaken

or your land desolate." See what he means here. The shame of Israel will be

removed. How shameful that was for them. They were the chosen people, the special

race, and they were conquered and exiled. And all the world will see the beauty of

God's people. Then we find these extraordinary lines. Listen, indeed the Lord will

delight in you and make your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin,

your builder shall marry you. Friends, I think in many ways all the biblical

spirituality is contained in those striking words. The one who made the universe,

the great builder, the architect of the cosmos will do what? He will marry his

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