Apr. 2 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent; Opt. Mem. of St. Francis of Paola, Hermit, Opt. Mem.

The first reading from Isaiah represents one of the most striking passages of the Bible that affirms the love of God for his people. It was a message of consolation addressed to the Jewish captives in Babylon promising them the joys of Messianic times. We are also captives and exiles because of our sins and human failings. Our deliverance is also near. The Messiah will come to us at Easter to give us all the blessings promised by God in this reading. --St. Andrew Bible Missal