Saturday of the First Week of Advent
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Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26
A personal reflection….
The first reading lays promise to all of us who are experiencing some sort of hardship or distress. Centuries later, it is particularly compelling in its relevance as we traverse through unprecedented challenges. It is, at the same time, a ubiquitous reminder of the dichotomy in which we Christians believe and pray. And that mystery is one that pits an everlasting and unconditionally loving God with one that allows His followers to endure pain and suffering. “On the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall … He will heal the bruises left by His blows.” This brief excerpt intimates that the Lord stands idly by watching His people suffer. It is perhaps why so many believers cast doubt about the general existence of God. It is also a promise of great healing.
As you read through the passage, however, it is important to understand that our sufferings are those attributable to human hands, or to natural causes for which God will not intercede. As we immerse ourselves in the promises of the Reading, we are reminded that God is ever-present in our lives. “The Teacher will not hide Himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.” It continues, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’.” So the Lord has provided a pathway, albeit a “hard path” and “narrow gate.” We simply need to listen more closely, open our eyes wider, and allow His spirit into our waiting hearts.
I am drawn to personally reflect on a time in my own life when I was not able to see, not able to hear, not able to be still of heart or spirit. It relates to the unexpected and tragic passing of my older sister Diane. Prior to her untimely and shocking death, I had existed, persisted, with a blissful ignorance of true suffering. Perhaps it was through an unintentional naivety, or unwitting arrogance, that I had lived. Insulated by loving parents who tried, at every turn, to eliminate (or at least postpone) the inevitable pain and anguish of loss, I was wholly unprepared to forge ahead. At that time, I was no longer “spared the tears of anguish…” and “it felt like a sword went through my soul” (Luke 1:46). For those who doubt – I have been there. For those who question their Faith, I have been there. And so, I became a disenchanted non-believer. Mired in my own self-pity, I was unable, perhaps unwilling, to find strength in a God who would allow such immeasurable pain. And so mine became a broken life, subsisting in a broken world. Was God inflicting a punishment of sorts – for the unrelenting and continual sins of my brothers and sisters? It is a melancholy truth that we all suffer as oppressors of the faith, impenitent sinners who too often lose our way.
Nearly six months had passed before I came to the stark realization that I could no longer handle the darkness and solitude of a life devoid of Faith. In fact, it was during the Advent season, a season of rebirth and promise, that I ached for the joyful gatherings and unabated promise of celebrating Christmas with friends and family. Lured by the memory of happier times, I vividly recall sitting in Church as the choir belted out angelic hymn after hymn. I wept in silence - both for the inconsolable pain of a lost love - as well as the rapture of eternal hope and glory.
Life experience has taught me - and I have come to one immutable truth - that I am but just a small player in a very large universe. However, each of us can be the salvation to others who are in need - impoverished, sick, or simply disenchanted themselves. And I am reminded of a profound quote from the Hebrew Talmud (an underlying principle of the Jewish, Islamic and Christian faiths) that states, “He who saves one life saves the world entire.” As for the brief period of time we are here on Earth, let us be shepherds of our faith - ever mindful that the “healing of wounds inflicted by His blow” comes in the form of grace, compassion, and caring for our fellow man.
May the joy and blessings of Christmas and the Holiday Season be with you always…
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