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Tuesday 2nd
Week Advent
Mepkin Abbey
December 9, 2014
Symbols of Comfort ++++++++++++++++++
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The Lord speaks thru the prophet Isaiah today, “Comfort, give comfort to my people.”
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2 thoughts come to mind when I hear the word
“Comfort”
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The first is the Handel’s Oratorio The Messiah
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The second is of my mom’s Italian meatloaf,
mashed potatoes and gravy
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Or Fr. Joes’ Peanut soup or roasted butternut
squash w/ walnuts & warm Gorgonzola
Comfort in 1st Bible ++++++++++++++++++
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In its original context, it’s the Lord who
brings comfort to his people in exile
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So comfort has warm overtones of love,
satisfaction, security
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In Jesus comfort finds fulfillment as Emmanuel,
God-with-us
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In Gospel comfort and security is given to even
to the least of the lost sheep
Our own Discomfort +++++++++++++++++
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Some of us may experience discomfort physically
because of nagging pains or compromised digestive system
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Some discomfort relationally because of some
that was said or done that hurt us
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Other have an emotional discomfort and may feel
isolated, alone, and passed over
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J gives tangible comfort to all in such
situations
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He’s the comfort of an inner sense of guidance
as our way
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He’s the comfort as our strength when our own
doesn’t suffice
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In Eucharist he’s comfort when we can become
what we have eaten
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He’s our vision when all is veiled and as in a
fog I can’t see 10 feet ahead of me
Conclusion ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Isaiah speaks to us comfort, the comfort God
gives his people, the comfort God asks Isaiah to give his people
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And Jesus responds as the comfort source that
covers our every need
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When in pain or discomfort, think Handel’s Messiah or comfort foods of childhood
and how Jesus is their fulfillment
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And in his love and presence, we can taste,
hear, enjoy
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We’re
consoled
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