St. Luke’s Institute

December 11, 2012

DISCOMFORT +++++++++++++++++++

Ø In the course of our lives, we experience many forms of discomfort

Ø We may be uncomfortable financially, finding it hard to cover all the bills

Ø We may be uncomfortable physically, when we have broken a bone or have an intestinal virus

Ø We may be uncomfortable relationally, as when we cannot resolve some conflict with another person

Ø And we may be uncomfortable emotionally, as when we are filled with anxiety or overcome with loneliness

THE FEEL OF COMFORT +++++++++++++

Ø It’s in the face of these human discomforts, the Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah today: “Comfort, give comfort to my people”

Ø The Lord brings a message of comfort to his people who have suffered now for too long

Ø He proclaims that the people who are in exile will now be restored to their homeland, to Jerusalem

Ø This word “comfort” is warm, consoling, and reassuring

Ø In the gospel, Jesus shows himself as the source of comfort by tending even a single lost sheep

Ø No one, not even the least, is unimportant in his eyes

CONCRETE COMFORTS +++++++++++++

Ø Today, for us, Jesus continues to bring comfort

Ø Jesus comforts us first by his presence

Ø He is Emmanuel, God-with-us on each step of the journey of life

Ø He comforts us by his guidance

Ø He is the way and shows us the way to live and return to the Father

Ø Jesus comforts us by his strength

Ø He nourishes and strengthens us especially through the Eucharist

Ø And he comforts us by his vision

Ø He gives us hope that all forms of death can give way to new life

JESUS AS FULFILLMENT +++++++++++++

Ø So, Isaiah so touchingly proclaims: “Comfort, give comfort to my people.”

Ø Jesus now is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and our comfort in the journey of life

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