Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - 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 not 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]
Even in a "normal" year, the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season, for all its "ho-ho-ho!" can be a tough one for some folks. But the Year 2020 marks a tough one for the whole planet under the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if one has been fortunate enough to avoid this sickness, the likelihood of a loved one, especially an elderly person, being dangerously sick is very high. The front-line caregivers at hospitals and even at home are getting exhausted and infected! Vaccines are on the way, and this gives a glimmer of hope, but in the meantime, this season struggles to raise the spirits.
Isaiah and Jesus offer us some encouragement today. Isaiah's words come from that portion of his "book" called the Book of Comfort. Many of us will recognize the "eagles' wings" in the quote, which are echoed in a popular hymn. And the last line of the quote from the Gospel According to Matthew finds its way into many an embroidered surface! These words of encouragement are like getting a hug from the Bible before facing another day of masks, social distancing, Christmas shopping from a keyboard, and drive-by communion after Mass! When "Ho-ho-ho!" falls flat, faith-hope-love from Isaiah and Jesus can keep us going through this season and into 2021 and beyond! AMEN