Isaiah 62

"You shall be called by a new name, pronounced from the mouth of the Lord...No more shall people call you, 'Forsaken,' or your land, 'Desolate,' but you shall be called, "My Delight," and your land, 'Espoused,' for the Lord delights in you."

This is perhaps one of my favorite readings, (along with a few others.) This was the first reading at Mass yesterday.

It has always struck a deep cord in me, as I feel like it reveals that romantic part of Our Lord's heart...it shows his passion for us. The "calling by a new name," is so significant throughout the scriptures. Here it is clear that to the world, Israel is lost, but God not only acknowledges her beauty, but changes her name to reflect His love for her. The idea of giving delight to Him, is one that I think of with trembling. "For the Lord delights in you," how can I possibly be or do anything worth the delight of God? How can I delight Him, when sometimes it feels like the entire day is a struggle to listen to Him or be close to Him? However, insignificant as I am, sinful, wayward, stubborn, prone to fall into temptation, "Forsaken," and "Desolate," He still "delights" in me. This is one of those unfathomable mysteries and one of the most romantic love stories ever written! Fulton Sheen, was fond of calling this, "The Divine Romance," that romance between the soul and her Maker. Thank you, Lord for whispering to me again through the words of scripture! I will strive to be Your Delight in all of the small things that I do!