Wednesday 7 December 2022 Saint Ambrose Bishop Doctor 2nd week of Advent
Isaiah 40:25-31
‘To whom could you liken me and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look. Who made these stars if not he who drills them like an army, calling each one by name? So mighty is his power, so great his strength, that not one fails to answer. How can you say, Jacob, how can you insist, Israel, ‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord, my rights are ignored by my God’? Did you not know? Had you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the wearied, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire.
Psalm 102 My soul, give thanks to the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Reflection:
The word of God is fairly straightforward we would have to say. “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened.” God is the strength of those who are weary and powerless. So, let’s enjoy that strength.
Equally we know that the thing that takes the most strength from us, is to “Come”. That difficult first step of coming to Jesus.
Amma Syncletica, a 4th century Desert Mother from Roman Egypt, said,
“In the beginning there is struggle and a lot of hard work for those who come near to God. But after that, there is indescribable joy.
It is just like building a fire: at first, it’s smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result.
Thus, we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.”