He bore them on eagles’ wings. He had compassion for them.
In this week’s readings, two images stand out to give us an idea of the relationship of the Lord with his people; with us.
The first reminds us that God carried the people of Israel ‘on eagles’ wings’. If they keep his covenant, they will become a holy nation. (First Reading)
The second, in Matthew’s Gospel, is the compassion of Jesus for his people. Feeling sorry for them, he calls his twelve disciples and gives them authority to heal and support them in their helplessness.
When we fully realise the extent of this compassion, we may want to cry out and sing with joy, like the Psalmist.
However, as the people failed to obey the Lord’s voice, God shows yet again his merciful love through the death of his Son for them; for us. (Second Reading)
This week, then, we might like to focus our prayer especially on those people in the world who feel harassed and helpless, trusting that the Lord will look after them.
