Divine Protection

A Reflection on the First Reading for September 12th, 2021:
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Isaiah
50.5-9

The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
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My heart has been struck and insulted by the blows of the imperfect world in which we live. It was bruised and became exquisitely tender to the touch; and my mind settled into rebellion.

If I make sure everything is just so, no one can criticize me.

If I maintain the upper hand, I can bail on my terms before I get hurt.

If I never take a chance, I can’t fail, or be wrong.

If I do fail, it’s probably the other person’s (or the “universe’s”) fault.

Life showed me that these self-protection strategies can work, but only in the short term; they tend to snowball and create a life that may feel safe, but is also limited, lonely, and sad.  

And then, He opened my ear — Love spoke into my soul and met the deepest desire of my heart. 

To be seen. To be held. To be cherished… and never abandoned. 

Therein lies our divine protection.



Isaiah wants us to know that God’s protection of our hearts is real. He protected Jesus’ heart through His Passion and death and He protects ours as well.

With divine protection, my mind’s rebellion turns to surrender.

If I give up making sure everything is just so, I let go of the stress of striving, and I accept the reality of life and all its imperfections. I find reassuring, common ground with others there. 

If I stop trying to maintain the upper hand, I open myself to receive what others might have to offer me, and I encourage others in their giftedness.  

If I take a chance, I discover the richness of all the talents and abilities I have been given, and give others the courage to do the same.

When I do fail, Mercy is there to forgive and help me move forward with gratitude and a desire to do better, and to offer the same to others.

Have courage, says Isaiah; it can sometimes be hard to understand, but in the end, Love makes every wound worth the risk.




Lindsay Elford
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