This week’s readings from the first two chapters of the book of Isaiah marvelously describe both the realities of our fallen condition and God’s mercies. The prophet seems to alternate between speaking of Israel’s (and our) unfaithfulness to God, and God’s promise of salvation. This verse, “the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day,” illustrates an essential condition of that salvation: we must not seek our own glory, but God’s. In everything we do, we should proclaim and sing the glory of God. This is the essence of our church services – unceasing reflection on God, continual praise of Him, of His love and of His plan for our salvation. St. Paul enjoins us to come together with “psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs.” This should be our attitude toward the divine services. Through the voice of the readers and singers, we can together send up praise and thanksgiving to God, to whom be glory, now and forever.