我們今天讀到的神諭，緊隨其後的是充滿威脅與希望的話語。上主警告拜偶像者和作惡者；祂賜給服事祂的人希望。

上主應許了一件看得見摸得著的事：平安長壽。有趣的是，上主的應許使祂忠實的子民充滿喜樂。這喜樂源自於應許本身，勝過於得到應許之物的喜樂。 

這也可以成為我們的特別邀請：在這偉大日子來臨之際，讓我們此刻就喜樂起來。

The oracle we read today follows words of threat and hope. God threatens idolaters and evildoers; he gives hope to those who serve him.

God promises something very visible and tangible: a long life in peace. Interesting is the fact that God’s promise fills his faithful people with joy. Joy in the promise, greater than joy in receiving the things that had been promised.

This can be for us too a special invitation: to be happy now, during the vigil of such a great day.