When we grow weary from routine or over-extension and feel flat and out of steam, God comes to us in his Word, as he does today through the prophet Isaiah (40: 1-11) and the Gospel of Matthew (18: 12-14). The prevailing image is that of the shepherd feeding and gathering his sheep, even leaving the ninety-nine to save the one which has strayed from the flock. The Book of Consolation in Second Isaiah begins: "Comfort, give comfort to my people," says your God "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem...." a verse popularized in Handel's Messiah, and verse eleven gives us another verse sung beautifully in the same Oratorio: "Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;/ in his arms he gathers the lambs...." In the Gospel, Jesus describes the comfort and joy of finding the lost sheep.
As we honor St.Nicholas today, we think of the kindly bishop of Myra who, according to legend, rescued, protected and gifted children, bringing them needed comfort. God's comfort does come to us through people, through gifts...even an unexpected piece of candy under a cup on the table. This comfort is an invitation, a motivation to us to comfort all who come to us for help.
Bro. Rene
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment