Tuesday of
the 2nd Week of Advent
December 9, 2014 8:30am
I really love the opening words
of today’s first reading.
The Lord speaks through Isaiah, “Comfort, give comfort to my people.”
These are magnificent words, a
classic section of the Bible.
These words were used by the
composer Handel and placed to beautiful music in his work called the Messiah.
In its original context, the Lord
brings a message of comfort to his people who have been in exile in a foreign
land.
He assures them that they will
now be restored to their homeland, to Jerusalem.
This word “comfort” is warm, consoling, and reassuring.
And, of course, these words of “comfort” find their complete
fulfillment in Jesus.
In the gospel, Jesus shows
himself as the source of comfort by tending even one lost sheep.
No one, not even the least, is
unimportant in his eyes.
In the course of our lives, we
can experience many forms of discomfort.
We may be uncomfortable
financially – when we find it hard to cover all the bills.
We may be uncomfortable physically
– when we have an intestinal virus.
We may be uncomfortable
relationally – when we cannot resolve a conflict with another person.
And we may be uncomfortable
emotionally – when we feel lonely.
I believe that in all these
circumstances, Jesus continues to bring comfort.
I see it this way.
Jesus comforts us by his
presence.
He is Emmanuel, God-with-us on each
step of the journey of life.
Jesus comforts us by his
guidance.
He is the way and shows us the
way to live and return to the Father.
Jesus comforts us by his strength.
He nourishes and strengthens us
especially through the Eucharist.
And Jesus comforts us by his
vision.
He gives us hope that all forms
of death can give way to new life.
So, Isaiah very touchingly
proclaims: “Comfort, give comfort to my
people.”
Jesus fulfills these words and is
our comfort in the journey of life.
