“Comfort, give comfort to My people, says your God.” IS 40: 1

 

The first word that God shares with us today, Sisters and Brothers, is a very important word for us in this time of patience and preparations.  For most of us, the word “comfort” suggests relaxation and ease, but when God speaks comfort, he not only changes how we feel; he changes how we are.  However, the basic concept for “comfort” in both the Old and New Testaments is encouragement, whether by words or the presence of another to help in time of need. 

God comforts us through the Bible, the Word of God. In the Bible, we find all sorts of promises that we should take to heart and try to keep in mind. We learn that God cares for us and that He will not leave us or forsake us and that His Grace, the Gifts He has blessed us with, is sufficient for us. God loves those who belong to Him, and He has compassion on us.

If we turn to God's Word for comfort and strength daily, we will come to believe all He has to reveal to us.  Guess what?  That is part of the definition in the Catechism for Faith.  So, by allowing ourselves to be embraced in God’s comfort, we find our way to have Faith.  Then if we share this, we are fulfilling God’s Call we heard at the beginning of today’s First Reading, “give comfort to my people.”  This will enable them to discover and trust in the Truth.

We are called to share the fact that God is our ultimate comforter and source of strength. As we participate in various Bible studies or even the Mass, we should search for promises in the Bible that we can hold onto. The book of Psalms is a great place to start looking. It is through the use of Sacred Scripture that helps us build our sense of identity on who God's says we are.  However, we also know that we cannot do it alone.

The Holy Spirit not only guides us but also can give us comfort in times of trials. Trials come to everyone of us at different times in our life. People all over the world, within our own communities, and in our own homes experience trials and tribulations.  This then shows the importance of Spiritual Comfort.  Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to God.  Contributing to a Sacred Environment brings awareness of the availability of Spiritual support to residents, families, and loved ones.  We are also invited to call upon our personal clergy for prayer, sacraments, and conversation or other spiritual support persons of their choosing.

God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that we be saved and restored to friendship with Him. This is the message of Jesus in today’s Gospel.  That is why the whole Community of Heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to Fellowship with God. God is on a rescue mission today to save us from the destructive forces of sin and evil. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over every step we take. Do we listen to the Lord’s voice and heed His wise counsel? Do we follow the path He has set for us, a path that leads to life rather than death?  Let us find comfort as we patiently prepare for the Lord.

"Lord Jesus, nothing escapes your watchful gaze and care. May I always walk in the light of your truth and never stray from your loving presence."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!

Shalom,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX