Author: Dominic Perrem, from The Community of Nazareth in Dublin, Ireland.
In the Fifty-second chapter of the book of Isaiah, we read, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings.” (Isaiah 52:7)
How often have you thrown your eyes to heaven? It's isn't just a gesture of frustration- you are looking for relief from bad news. Think of the worst thing which has happened this past week; Christ himself is depicted by the Renaissance masters as casting his eyes toward his Father as he suffered- just as we do. Perhaps it's an instinct, but good tidings aren't always what we expect to see. How much joy then when good news reaches us? We cherish the moment, the feet that bring that news, we feel the thrill and wonder if hearing glad things. Perhaps you long to be free from bad habits, or for an end to other sufferings. Imagine someone rushing toward you to tell you: 'it's going to be ok; everything is sorted- I've taken care of it all.'
Take a minute today to ponder your greatest challenge. Do you expect good news from on high? Perhaps you haven't expected it. Look up. Remember, he has already won the victory. Ask God, then, for the strength to carry on, in expectant hope.
Scripture quotations taken from the The Jubilee Bible (edited by Russell M. Stendal). Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010
Recent Posts:
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
The Gift of the Magi
Jesus: a portrait of humility
The People of Advent
Our communities:
This is an interactive map of our communities, movements and outreaches. You can search the map by clicking and dragging. Communities are identified by the Sword of the Spirit logo, outreaches and movements are identified by a colored pin.
Some locations are approximate. To see a complete list of all communities click on the icon next to the map’s title.