TUESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2023
TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B
Isaiah 40:1-11
Matthew 18: 12-14
- GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON ANY ONE
The advent season brings with it great assurances of God’s care, love and favour. The comforting message of today points to all these.
Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s reading brings with it a great message of comfort to the human community. It brings the news that God does not reject his people. God gives all erring persons, second and even third chances to turn a new and fruitful leaf. God’s patience is in abundance. The prophet sends words of consolation to the human community detailing that man’s iniquities are pardoned and forgiven. That blessings awaits man so long as man wills and desires to walk along the ways of the Lord. That God even seeks our wellbeing and care.
Recognizing the frailty of man, the temporality of our lives and the weaknesses of human strive and endeavors, Isaiah calls us to seek strength, happiness and fulfillment from our God, protection from his hands and coverage of our lives in his bosom. Such is sure to come, and is even assured because of the messiah who comes to rescue man from the fading shadows of this live.
For indeed, as Isaiah prophesied about man and his fate, “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand for ever.” But behold, your God, Behold your God!, Behold the Lord God comes with might, and his arms rules for him ; behold his reward is with him and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.’”
The gospel goes further to anticipate and reassure us even against human reasoning, in asserting the care, love and compassion of our God over his people. That the flock already loyal and in the care of his love will be left on the hill while the shepherd goes for the lost one, leaving the ninety nine others in the wilderness.
The shepherd is careful and intent on saving all. That no one be lost, that all will be saved. He gives all second chances, he goes after the lost. He does not abandon any of his own created in his image and likeness.
This message portends for us that our strivings and struggling in this world are recognized and rewarded by our God. Let us never loose heart in any situation we find ourselves. The Lord is near and concerned and cares for us. In all despicable and unwarranted bad situations and circumstances we find ourselves, we must be ever armed with faith and trust in the helping and guiding hands of our God. He never fails.
Again, faithfulness, being loyal and commitment to our God is key to our survival and salvation in him. The onus lies with us to key into his care and accept his love and support.
God our Father, we recognize your love, care and compassion upon us. For though unworthy as we are, you continually show us your care and love beyond our imagination. We pray that your love and mercy will continue to follow us and pull us out of our selfishness, stubbornness, recalcitrancy and faithlessness. Keep us faithful to your commands and guide our lives in your care through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
