FLOWING LIKE A RIVER: C: 14th Sun in OrdTime

First Reading: Isa 66:10-14 (3 July 2022)

“I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream” (NRSV Isa 66:11).

The image used here by the prophet Isaiah in depicting God’s goodness is a flowing river. The Hebrew word nahar occurs several times in the book of Isaiah, occurring twenty-one times (cf. Isa 2:2; 7:20; 8:7; 11:15; 18:1, 2, 7; 19:5, 6; 27:12; 33:21; 41:18; 42:15; 43:2; 43:19, 20; 44:27; 47:2; 50:2; 59:19; 66:12). In a good number of them, this term is used to refer to great rivers, such as the ones in the Nile (19:5, 6), Euphrates (7:20; 8:7; 11:15; 27:12;) and Ethiopia (18:1, 2). In this sense, it is employed as a geographical marker that points to powerful civilizations in antiquity. Describing Israel with this same metaphor, the prophet was promising its people that they would be great and rich like the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, saying:

“Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you” (60:5).

By and large, Isaiah’s prophecy is practically a promise for Israel’s future economic and political grandeur, which would be at par with or even better than the great kingdoms of the earth. However, it should be noted that Isaiah linked the portrait of river with that of an ordinary mother’s love. Twice in our reading, the analogy of maternal care, comfort, and dedication to her child is used. In 66:11, the prophet consoled Israel: “that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom.” In vv. 12b-13a, the prophecy continues: “and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” Clearly, more than earthly fame and glory, Isaiah emphasizes that God would render his steadfast protection of Israel similar to the way a mother nurses, nurtures, and rears her child. In short, God would gush a river of wealth to Israel, but only after showering it with an overflowing love and care.

Given this connection to a mother’s love, the picture of river in Isaiah 66 is not primarily associated with wealth, but with peace instead. Indeed, the term shalom in Hebrew may mean either prosperity or peace, which leads to several varying translations in taking into account its contextual meaning. Accordingly, while the New Revised Standard Version (likewise, Good News Translation, New English Translation, etc.) uses “wealth” for shalom in Isa 66:11, the New American Bible (likewise, English Standard Version, New International Version, New King James Version, etc.) renders shalom as peace, i.e., “Now towards her I send flowing peace, like a river, and like a stream in spate the glory of the nations.” This latter’s version is nearer to the Greek Septuagint’s translation of shalom in this verse with the word eirēnē, which literally means “peace.” The same goes with the Latin (cf. Vulgata Clementina) that features the word pax that means “peace” as well.

In sum, Isaiah’s words should be understood as a call first for peace that stems from true maternal care. From it, prosperity only springs forth next.

In the Philippines, the new Marcos Administration has just commenced. At the onset, the promises uttered by the President in his inaugural speech are geared toward the country’s material prosperity. We pray that this resolve should be coupled soon by a genuine care for most of the Filipinos, who are poor and in dire need of the motherland’s devotion and attention.

- Rex Fortes, CM