Word to the Wise
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 2nd Week of Advent - Tues
[Isa 40:1-11 and Matt 18:12-14]Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the eyes with care. [Isaiah] "What is your opinion: If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I saw to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost." [Matthew]
Isaiah and Jesus appeal to an image that would be familiar to both their audiences because shepherding sheep had not not changed much in the centuries that passed between Isaiah's and Jesus' time! Since every sheep represents a part of the livelihood a shepherd, there is a constant "roll call" to make sure the whole flock is there. The relationship can be more than economical. Ask any dog owner! It is the caring for the flock that emerges as the principal idea in today's scriptures.
The passage from Isaiah is from the portion of his prophecy called "the Book of Comfort," from its first words: "Comfort my people!" He is trying to reassure the exiles returning to Palestine from Babylon. The words from the Gospel According to Matthew echo the same concern that God has for everyone of us as a shepherd has for every sheep in the flock.
"Does God really care?" I have heard that question pastorally many times. Since many of my parishioners have been university students (as is the case even now) I see and hear that question when they are confronting the usual challenges of academic performance, relationships, consumer habits, etc.. that are part and parcel of university life. At this time of year, final exams are a big point of stress. In another image, when the boat full of disciples is in danger of sinking in a fierce storm, Jesus seems asleep in the boat and the disciples cry out, "Lord, do you not care that we are about to perish?!" Isaiah and Jesus both assure us that God does care. God is not some impassive observer of those who would love God.
How is this care manifested? That is where each one of us enters the picture. Can we be sensitive to the difficulties being experienced by those around us, or even those far away in this season? We can "put skin on" God's care. We can wipe away the tears or even cry with someone. God's tender care is ours to give. AMEN