The general theme of Advent is enmeshed in hope, and particular to the third week is the message of God’s love for us. Today’s readings surround us with palpable hope expressed in the most compassionate terms. God’s word in Isaiah 40:1-11 appears as a twist of fate. The passage, which is characterized as the beginning of ‘Second Isaiah’, otherwise known as ‘Deutro-Isaiah’, comes with a new tone. Away from the warnings of judgment as seen in the first part of Isaiah (1-39), it introduces the theme of consolation and a promise of restoration. (“Console, console my people” Isaiah 40:1).
Console
For a people meted with the most excruciating consequences of war, stripped of all their national character and consumed in their own guilt, such a message was more than life-giving! Its compassionate tone was full of reassurance. God himself undertakes the task of leading his people home, not through the desert lands, but a land already prepared and made smooth. As he says, “every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill be made low” (Isaiah 40:4). It is not only the people that are restored, but for their sake, even the crooked nature is restored. The imagery of the Good Shepherd arises in verse 11 as he promises to feed his flock like a shepherd and carry them in his bosom (Isaiah 40:11).
The corresponding Psalm 96 invites the whole earth to sing a new song because God has shown His faithfulness. What Isaiah promises, the Psalmist celebrates: God rules not with harshness, but with equity and compassion. He comes not to condemn, but to save and to gather. In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus gives us a picture that echoes and fulfills Isaiah’s message. A shepherd has one hundred sheep, but one wanders off. What does he do? He doesn’t say, “It’s only one.” Instead, he leaves the ninety-nine on the hills and goes in search of the stray. And indeed, the joy of restoring the stray sheep surpasses that of the ninety-nine which were kept safe on the hills.
Reawakened
After the analyses of today’s readings, one’s hope of restoration is reawakened. Like in the case of the derailed nation of Israel, whose situation appeared irreparable, and like that of the lost sheep whose importance seemed dulled by the presence of the ninety-nine safe others, God reassures us of our eternal worth before him. He notices our absence. He does not abandon us. He takes the initiative to restore us, and his joy is eventually complete only when we are safely in His arms.
Lost Key
We end with this story. A priest lost the key to his parish office. He searched his pockets, his car and everywhere, yet nothing. His frustration grew because without the key, he could not continue his work. Finally, after a long search, he found it under a stack of papers. He lifted it up with joy, kissed it, and said, “You are too important for me to lose again.” This story is not just about a key, but about you; you are a key to ‘God’s happiness’.
NB:
Fr. Precious Ezeh is back as a contributor to the GVM daily reflection after years of absence. We welcome him with joy and wish him a fruitful apostolate among us.
Thank you and welcome! God’s consolation is a great gift in the preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. Thank you for reminding us. In the poor and weary world, God is our comforter and caregiver full of love.