Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 2nd Week of Advent - Wed
[Isa 40:25-31 and Matt 11:28-30]Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles; wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and nowt grow faint. [Isaiah] "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." [Matthew]
The scriptures today continue the theme of "comfort" found in Isaiah's prophecy (Chaps 40-55) and in the gospels. In the Lord are to be found both energy and rest!
With regard to energy, as I find myself "eldering" into my late 70's, much of my physical energy is "derivative" in the sense that the college students I encounter each day (or the children and grandchildren of former student parishioners!) seem so full of energy that I cannot help but absorb some of that into my own meager efforts to stay active!
With regard to "rest," the contemplative side and physical side occasionally conflict. There always seems something that "needs to be done." It is difficult to convince people that even five minutes a day spent just with God can make all the difference in the world to all those things "that need to be done." The exiles returning from Babylon or the student trying to make it through all the years of study and training to realize a cherished dream or the parents balancing home, work and kids all need comfort and energy. Both can be found in a lively faith. Yes! It takes effort to center oneself on God's presence and love in a day. But the spiritual and physical rest and the energy are both to be found there. AMEN