This passage is one of the greatest sources of courage for me in all of Scripture. The repeated detailed description of the feast — in case we don't get it that this is not some abstract event — gave me a kind of glorious concrete hope. I love the tenderness of the Lord God wiping away the tears from all the faces.
Three years ago on this date, I held this reading in my hand beside my dying sister. She was the one who gave the feasts in our family: rich, juicy food and choice wine. I read aloud for us both: "He will destroy death forever."
God of love, help us to trust in this stunning promise of life you offer us with such tenderness.
Patricia Livingston
