December 11, 2022
“Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf will be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing.... They will meet with joy and gladness; sorrow and mourning will flee.”
Take a minute to reflect on what the prophet Isaiah has to say. Centuries before Christ he offered a solution to peoples’ problems with words of encouragement and hope. In our advent season we need such words to help us resist what pulls us down and discover ways to long for and meet our Savior. Although he uses images of physical healing we need to apply them to our spiritual well being. Our eyes are to be fixed on Jesus, our ears open to His call to renewal, walking in His company, and speaking of His coming and abiding with us. With Him there can be joy and gladness. With Him sorrow and mourning will flee.
by Rev. William J. Reilly