The Prophet Isaiah lived in times there were indeed troubled: foreign armies at the walls of the city, kings that had led the people astray from Covenant faithfulness, relying on alliances, warriors and gold to fend off the invaders from nations far larger than Israel. Yet for Isaiah, the vision of God’s majesty was so overwhelming that military and political power faded into insignificance. He constantly called the people back to a reliance on God’s promises and away from vain attempts to find security in human plans and intrigues. Isaiah insisted on the ethical behavior that was required of human beings who wished to live in the presence of such a holy God. Inevitably the people failed and Isaiah then delivered the message of judgment upon the people… but always with a parallel message of hope. It was never too late to turn to God.

It is a pattern present in the opening chapters of Isaiah and some 60-odd chapters later it continues to be the message. In today’s first reading, I find great comfort in one of Isaiah’s messages of hope:

“Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create” (Is 65:17-18)

The things of the past: things we’d love to forget, but whose regret lingers – what we’ve done and what we’ve failed to do. Things we have confessed and been forgiven – and yet we remember. Even for we who, however imperfectly have turned to God, Isaiah’s message is that there will come a day when the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Then in a new and deeper way he can join the Psalm refrain: “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.” (Ps 30:2) Rescued me from myself.

On that day we will truly be at peace.