Another reading from Isaiah today–comfort my people! A voice cries out in the wilderness to make our paths straight for God. Valleys shall be lifted up and mountains brought low. Uneven ground shall be level and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.God will gather the lambs tenderly.
When we offer a word of comfort, it is balm to a weary soul. I am listening to people’s stories lately. Several friends have lost a parent in this past month or two. Another friend awaits test results and a possible surgery. Mom starts treatment for skin cancer. Dad remains sick. I hurt my arm badly the other night to the point of wondering if I broke it. We are all in need of comfort at some point in our lives. We all need to pay attention to the hurting ones who need our comfort, a word of hope, and a presence of peace.
The path to peace is not level and it is easy to trip on it. This incessant call to peace this week is tied to the death and memorial service of Nelson Mandela. I watched snippets of the service on the evening news. This man seems to be walking beside me still on the long road to freedom. I pray that I may be a person of peace, a person who sows hope, who generates joy. These are Advent messages for me this week. What does the peace candle whisper to you this week?
Peace,
Suzanne
