Isaiah 12:2-6

Our responsorial for this week comes from a profoundly joyful hymn in the Book of Isaiah (12:2-6). This canticle is a song of praise, expressing gratitude for God’s saving work and his abiding presence.

The refrain perfectly captures the central theme of Gaudete Sunday: rejoicing in the nearness of God, who comes to save his people.

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.

This verse is a declaration of trust and confidence in God as the source of salvation, strength and courage.

Because of this, the speaker is unafraid and filled with courage.

With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.

The image of drawing water symbolizes receiving life-giving sustenance from God. The “fountain of salvation” suggests an abundant and ongoing source of grace, hope, and spiritual renewal provided by the Lord.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. 

This verse shifts focus to communal praise and proclamation. It calls for believers to exalt God publicly and share his works with others, extending the message of salvation to all nations.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth.

Singing is a natural outpouring of gratitude and joy for what God has accomplished. The call to make this known “throughout all the earth” emphasizes the universal scope of God’s work.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!

This imperative directed to Jerusalem (“O city of Zion”) underscores the significance of the holy city, both as the royal capital of the Davidic dynasty and as the site of the Temple.

The latter aspect is the focus here, as the Temple in Jerusalem symbolized the physical manifestation of God’s presence among his people. God’s glory dwelled there uniquely, represented by the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. As the center of Israel’s covenant relationship with God, the Temple provided a means for worshippers to approach God, seek atonement, and celebrate his faithfulness. Zion thus became a tangible sign of God’s promises and provision.

By addressing the people of Jerusalem, Isaiah is reminding them of their privileged status as the community hosting God’s dwelling place. This privilege carries both joy and responsibility: to reflect God’s holiness and proclaim his greatness to the world.

The title “Holy One of Israel” has cultic nuances. It comes from the Hebrew that means “set apart” or “consecrate” (qādash) and is opposed to what is secular or profane. God’s holiness is usually manifested in some form of glory or majesty, and this frequently, though not always, occurs in the Temple. In the presence of God, human beings recognize their own limitations and commit themselves to a way of life that separates them from the profane, consecrates them to God, and gives them access to what is holy.

Isaiah calls the people to rejoice in this: Holy One of Israel is in their midst.