First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Theme: A promise of divine liberation in a predicament of human desperation

Exegetical Note
Speaking to a postexilic, yet still oppressed community, this prophet is announcing the imminent, sweeping liberating activity of God - from affliction, heartbreak, captivity, mourning, faintheartedness, devastation, and even robbery - that still must have seemed to his audience very remote indeed.

Call to Worship
Leader: Let us rejoice in God with all our hearts!
People: FOR GOD HAS PROMISED US FREEDOM FROM EVERY OPPRESSION.
Leader: As the earth puts forth her blossom, or bushes in a garden burst into flower,
People: SO SHALL THE LORD GOD MAKE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE BLOSSOM IN ALL NATIONS.

Collect
O God of justice, whose wonderful promises of liberation from…