Today’s readings are filled with contrasts: life and death, judgment and resurrection, tenderness and might!

John’s Gospel today assures us of the promise of resurrection – “Whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life, “ - eternal life that begins now and not just at the end of the world. The fruit of this faith experience is the dissipation of all fear and anxiety that would keep us from witnessing to this new life by caring for those around us.

Again the Isaiah reading also dissipates our fear by promising us that God remembers us always – as a mother remembers her child. We can move ahead without fear confident of that loving care

“I will never forget you my people - I have carved you in the palm of my hand.”