Friday, January 13, 2017

Too LIttle To Ask?

Deacon Tom Writes,
“Too Little To Ask?”


In today’s First Reading, Isaiah reminds his listeners that God has great things in store for us. Yes, Israel has fallen upon difficult times and is in a state of decline. But, the day will come when God will work wonders through his servant, Israel. Yes, too little is the work of raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the survivors of Israel. God has even greater plans for his Servant Israel, who will also ... “be the light of the nations that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth”.

Now at the beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on how we are the beneficiaries of this ancient promise God made to Isaiah. What has God revealing himself to the world meant to us? How do we respond to his coming into our lives?

While reflecting on Isaiah’s reading, we might consider how little God really asks of us in light of all we have received from Him. We have so much to be grateful for; we all could probably amass a large list, and yet God doesn’t overburden us with demands. He tells us simply to “love one another”, to share our food with the poor, to be peaceful, to be honest, to consider others first. He is not demanding that any of us end poverty, war, bigotry… No, He doesn’t demand that any of us individually solve the problems of hunger or disease. But I wonder if, just like servant Israel, God is just waiting for us to do our part, no matter how little or insignificant that may be, so He can bless the work of our hands and therefore bring to our troubled world the peace, justice, and goodness that He desires for us?  

As we journey through this new year, one that may prove challenging and exciting in many ways, let us all be mindful that we are the torch bearers who bring the light of Christ to all those around us. May our thoughts, actions, and prayers find their source in our Lord Jesus Christ who came to give us new life.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

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