22 / 70
Tuesday of the Second Week in Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13
Matthew 18:12-14
Summary
In these past few weeks, we have lost four dear friends. Our hearts are nearly
overwhelmed with sorrow. And almost in answer to this loss we read in to-
day’s first reading, “Comfort, give comfort to my people says your God…”
The Prophet Isaiah proclaims the power of God yet he also gives us the im-
age of the good shepherd who “feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the
lambs, carrying them in his bosom and leading the ewes with care.” In re-
sponse, we cry out, “The Lord, our God, comes with power!” The Gospel
reflects the first reading by reminding us that it is the will of the Heavenly Fa-
ther that not one of us be lost. What a comforting thought.
Reflection
Who hasn’t experienced the loss of a loved
one, a beloved relative or dear friend? Who
hasn’t felt the heartbreak of grief? We all know
that death is a part of life, but for those of us
with Faith in Jesus Christ, we also know that
death is the transition from our earthly life into
life everlasting. The prophets foretold of God’s
unconditional love. The Psalms praise God for
His faithfulness to us. “Tell His glory among
the nations; among all peoples…” This assures
us that God claims each person on earth for
Himself. He has come to save: to forgive, to
console, to lift
us up to the Fa-
ther. In the
midst of the sorrows of life, there is cause for
rejoicing. Our loving Father who created us
for Himself gave us the example of living and
dying in His Son, Jesus. And at the heart of