In today’s First Reading, Isaiah reminds his listeners that God has great things in store for his people. 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 this new year, is a good time for each of us to reflect on how we are the beneficiaries of this ancient promise God made to Israel. What has God revealing himself to the world meant to me? How do I respond to his coming into my 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 undoubtedly come up with a long list of blessings that we have received over the course of our lifetimes and yet God doesn’t overburden us with demands as a sign of our gratitude. 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 both challenging and exciting on the one hand or vexing and overbearing on the other, 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
Please Visit www.deaconspod.com where you will find contemporary conversations with several Paulist Deacon Affiliates and their guests exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer to those on the threshold of our church… those thinking of joining our Catholic Community or walking away from it.
OTHER RESOURCES
Recommended Reading: Hope Against Darkness by Fr. Richard Rohr is an excellent treatment of what we are so afraid to encounter... our dark self. Rohr describes how following Saint Francis' way to forgiveness and love, and "owning the darkness," can bring us out of the postmodern pit in which we find ourselves.
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