The deportees of Israel dreamed of their liberation and their return to the promised land. They also imagined the day when there would be no more sorrows or diseases, that is, the messianic times that were announced by the prophet Isaiah (First reading).
The dream came true with Jesus, who spent curing all diseases and announcing the Good News of the Kingdom (Gospel). But thousands of years will have to elapse before the messianic times reach their fullness.
For this reason, the Apostle James (Second Reading) recommends us to wait patiently and with joyful spirit for the coming of the Lord, as well as to actively fight against hopelessness.
Fr. Claudio