Let Him lead you

Friday, December 09, 2016

Today we meditate on Isaiah 40:10-11

Here comes with power the Lord God who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

Remember that this prophecy was directed to a people living in exile, proclaiming to them that their exile was at an end and that they were going to be brought back home, and their passage would be made easy (yesterday’s reflection). This passage focuses on the care God has for his people, and notice that the image of the Shepherd and his sheep appears both in this part of the book of Isaiah, and also in the book of Ezekiel, and then finally in the great Gospel of John, chapter 10. Therefore we can say that all the “shepherd” passages in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Whose birth we anticipate during this season of Advent.

Notice the tenderness (Tuesday’s reflection) and the care; notice that the shepherd feeds his flock (Eucharist?); notice that the shepherd carries them when they cannot walk by themselves (think of the famous “Footprints” message).

Do you, perhaps, need to rest in the arms of the Shepherd today? If so, place yourself there when you go to pray. Allow yourself to be engulfed by his “strong” arms and nestled to Himself. Know that you are being led on a path whose destination you do not know, but that He is leading you and guiding you. Surrender to His lead and to His direction for your life. Consider all the present circumstances of your life and realize that it is here now that He is realizing his purpose for you, and if the present circumstance is filled with pain, know that your pain is meant for good and that it is going to be transformed when your Savior comes to you. Take to heart also the prophecy of Isaiah read at Mass today: “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” Let him lead you. Give up trying to walk the path on your own with only yourself as guide. That never works out well, as your past experience can probably teach you.

This would be a good day indeed to read Psalm 23 and relate it to the passage we are considering today.

Blessed Advent to you. Have a nice weekend!