Presence

As I quieten myself, I thank God for always being with me. Lord, may I be present to you, now, during this time of reflective reading and prayer.

First Reading

Isaiah 40:25-31 NRSVue

To whom, then, will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted, but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

First Reading Reflection

Here we find God portrayed as the powerful creator – a bit remote. Later in the reading, it gets personal. God does not weary in caring for us, giving us strength for the journey. When we allow the mystery of God into our lives, we don’t grow weary or tired. This seems very much a big message of Isaiah during these days – if we let God in, then we become strong. Letting God in is allowing the God who comes as a baby into our lives. We can be like Mary – not fully understanding but pondering the wonder of the Incarnation. God may be the Creator of the universe and All-Powerful, but He is also the God of unique and intimate love for each one of us.

Gospel

Matthew 11:28-30 NRSVue

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Gospel Reflection

We continue receiving the gentle and easy entry of God into the world. Knowing that we need rest and refreshment, God offers that to the soul. In this life we often carry heavy burdens. True religion begins with the offer from God of unconditional love. The One who loves us with an everlasting love invites us to enjoy the peace and joy of being loved, just as a small child delights in the love of their mother or father, and is safe and whole in that love, and therefore can rest and be at peace.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, please shoulder the yoke of my burdens at this time, so that I can rest and be refreshed and renewed by the joy of your help, the joy of your presence. May I remember that I never walk alone and that you know and love me intimately. Amen.