I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand…to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness
—Isaiah 42:6-7 from today’s first reading
In what dungeons do I dwell? In what prisons am I confined? In what ways am I blind? Do I allow God to take me by the hand? Do I extend my hand to others?
We like to think that we live always in the light. We like to think that there is no reason to worry, no cause for despair, no need for help. But the truth is we all find ourselves in darkness from time to time. We all need a helping hand in this life. We can’t do it alone.
St. Ignatius mentions in his autobiography that, even as a grown man, he often felt like God was taking him by the hand like one would lead a small child. Ask God for this grace today. Extend your hand to Him and say simply, “A little help please.”
And don’t be surprised when you hear the soft response: “Take my hand.”