Sunday, December 10
Scripture
Is 40:1-5, 9-11
Ps 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
2 Pt 3:8-14
Mk 1:1-8
Reflection
“Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly…” IS 40:1-2
“…we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells…” 2 Peter 3:13
This passage from Isaiah has always touched me with its intimacy and compassion. After 39 chapters of narrative about exile and captivity, the language of Isaiah becomes sheer poetry…and my heart responds!
Following the daily news is often an emotional challenge for me these days, and I know that I am not alone. More than half of Americans say the news causes them stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances: yet as Christians, we seek ways to connect with what is happening in the global neighborhood in ways that invite our prayer and service to the dear neighbor. These words of Isaiah remind me that our God is always a God of Love. God’s intent is always to comfort…encourage…strengthen…assist. We are reminded that, regardless of the darkness of current division, “we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” God’s promise is one of Light and Love, Hope and Wholeness. How comforting is that?
Prayer
Compassionate God,
Every day my words and actions have the power to create comfort or conflict, righteousness, or a riot.
Initiate in me the craftiness to connect what is broken and
to celebrate diversity of culture, race, religion, and ideas. Tenderly cultivate your oneness in me
that I might contribute to build your new-earth kin-dom. Amen.
Personal Challenge
Each evening before going to bed I will take a few minutes to reflect on how I have shared comfort and hope with others throughout the day.
Sister Judith Minear, CSJ
Cleveland, OH
