RE-READING DEUTERO-ISAIAH'S ORACLES OF SALVATION TO THE EARS OF THE POOR TODAY A PRACTICO-PASTORAL IMPERATIVE

Résumé

The plight of the poor in our society today, which should be a thing of concern for any human being — in the State or in the Church — does not seem to be receiving the much attention it demands. At best, the little attention given in some quarters does not seem to be making sustained impact towards their wellbeing. This perceived indifference of the world to the plight of the poor really calls for renewed address. In Africa, fighting poverty and resettling the needy still remains a serious challenge. Almost every day in different parts of the continent, fresh situations present themselves and they do not only confirm the presence of the poor in our midst but also, definitely, intensify their vulnerabllity This situation stould elicit some enforced practical mission not only by the State but more especially by the Church which has a definite mission to these poor. The poor and the marginalized né¢eo be given some sure hope that is matched with practical steps towards restoring them to wellbeing. In the face of this evident need, one readily remembers the plight of the Israelite poor in the Old Testament. This paper, therefore, proposes that a re-reading/re-application of the Scriptural passages ol hope found in Deutero-Isaiah, could be a good strategy towards re-enforcing the mission of the Church and State for the poor in our midst.