WHOM SHALL I SEND? HERE AM I. SEND ME.

XXIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 22:15-21

In this Sunday’s first reading, taken from prophet Isaiah, Yahweh, the God of Israel, is presented as the Lord of human history. He is the one who is in charge. Thus, despite so many adversities, he makes sure that, in the end, everything contributes to the goodness of those he loves.

Israel suffered a huge setback at the hands of Babylonia, with most of the population being taken as prisoners of war. They kept the dream of a future restoration alive, but, before the Babylonian might, that dream was no more than a dream. It seemed as if their hope was dashed forever. Then, after less than fifty years, the Babylonian empire crumbled before Cyrus, the king of Persia. The new ruler had completely different policies towards the vanquished nations. He allowed them to keep their culture and their religion, provided they recognised the suzerainty of the Persian king and paid their homage to him. Thus he allowed the people of Judah to go back to their homeland and rebuild the city of Jerusalem and its temple. The prophet Isaiah looked upon Cyrus as the Anointed of the Lord, whom He sent to set his people free. Isaiah considers Cyrus appearance as part of God’s plan in favour of his people, even though Cyrus was a gentile who did not know Yahweh. The interpretation made by Isaiah, in the light of the historical events that shaped the history of his people and the history of salvation, may help us to discover God’s presence and action even among those who do not belong to us and have no idea of God’s providence and love.

On this Sunday, the 18^th of October, we celebrate the World Mission Day. It is a special day for us to pray and reflect about the Good News of God’s love, which we must spread throughout the world. Pope Francis, in his message for this Mission Day, invites us to reflect upon Isaiah’s vocational experience. Hearing God’s question: Whom shall I send? Isaiah answered: Here am I. Send me. God’s question reverberates through the ages and can be heard by us today. God waits for our answer. Are we going to answer like Isaiah, or are we going to ignore God’s invitation?