Tuesday of Advent 2 – Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

When I have a problem, I wonder, who would be able to help me solve it. I start with friends, colleagues, acquaintances. Then the old adage applies, that “a friend in need, is a friend indeed”. Among the ‘comforters’ one says: “don’t worry”, another – “whatever comes, it’ll be alright”. This I’m not bothered about! I’m also not interested in cheap “soothing words” or “irritating words” which drive towards “best to do what you can manage to do”.

There are, however, situations in which we are not able to cope for ourselves. Ones, which in human terms seem to have no way out. It’s then worth looking for comfort from the perspective of faith, as the prophet Isaiah suggests. And entrust yourself under the care of God, renew your confidence in the Father, who is in heaven. Only then will we experience internal light and new liberation.

Of course, it would be best to entrust ourselves to God not only in insoluble situations, but at all times.

Good shepherd, who knows my weaknesses and goes out to meet me especially in the sacrament of reconciliation, have mercy on me and on the whole world.