For your sake I will not rest until you shine like a lighted torch (Isaiah 62:1-5)

Biblical reflections* on Isaiah** by E. Siegal (California, USA) published on Bondings 2.0, blog of the Catholic association New Ways Ministry (United States) on 22 December 2019, freely translated by Innocenzo

“For your love, Jerusalem, I will not remain silent until you are freed and shine like light. For your sake, Zion, I will not rest until you are saved and shine like a lighted torch. Then the nations will see that the Lord has delivered you, all kings will admire your glory. You will have a new name that the Lord himself will give you. In the hands of the Lord you will become a splendid crown, a royal diadem.
Your name will no longer be 'Forsaken City', your town will no longer be called 'Wasteland'. Instead your name will be 'Joy of the Lord' and your land will be called 'Happy Bride'. For you will truly be the delight of the Lord, and your land will have a husband in him. As a young man marries a girl, so will your creator marry you. As a man rejoices over his wife, so your God will rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:1-5)

There are many words in this biblical passage that I have experienced, at one time or another, in my life as a queer person. Feeling "abandoned" and "desolate" are situations I have experienced in my difficult moments. When I began to come to terms with my homosexuality and my faith I thought about the promise that I will be “truly the delight of the Lord.”

It wasn't until later in life that I met a wonderful man, William McKinnon, with whom I established a long-term relationship. The words “married” and “groom” come to mind.

Eventually, my partner and I came to the realization that God truly loved us and cared about his queer children. This led both of us to reconcile with the Church.

* The liturgical Advent readings of the prophet Isaiah are among the most beautiful, poetic and hopeful texts in the Bible. They speak of expectation, desire, liberation and God's unfailing love and solidarity with humanity.
A few weeks ago, Bondings 2.0, the blog of the American Catholic association New Way Ministry, asked its readers to write short reflections on some readings of Isaiah from the point of view of LGBTQ people and those close to them.

** The biblical passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible/CEI.

Original text: Isaiah 62:1-5. The Glory of God Shall Be Revealed-And All Will See It Together!