Today’s first Mass reading was hopeful:
First Reading
ISAIAH 45:1, 4-6
1Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and ungird the loins of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: 4For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. 5I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I gird you, though you do not know me, 6that men may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
Yes.