Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - 2nd Week of Advent - Wed
[Isa 40:25-31 and Matt 11:28-30]WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 ST. AMBROSE, bishop and Doctor of the Church [Isaiah 40:25-31 and Matthew 11:28-30] They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. [Isaiah] One of the best features of the celebration of Advent season is the feast of scriptures from Isaiah the prophet. He encourages as well as challenges, rather like a personal trainer or physical therapist. He was speaking to people who had many reasons to be discouraged and had settled for more convenient religion in some cases. He cajoles and scolds and then comforts with words of assurance and tenderness. Given what we have brought on ourselves with the way we celebrate "the holidays," we need all the encouragement we can get. There is plenty of that in today's passage from him. Running and soaring on eagles' wings are probably not possible for me, but I do walk a lot and need the energy the Lord provides. The assurance of that energy and strength appear in the gospel passage from Matthew as well when Jesus speaks of the rest from labors and burdens that he offers. That is one reason I suggest that the first item we should establish for the season is the manger scene, to serve as a reminder of that rest which will give us the energy to soar, run or walk! AMEN
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