There is a lot going on today, December 7th 2021. The nation remembers Pearl Harbor, the church remembers St. Ambrose, and the Season of Advent continues. Since the beginning of Advent this year we have heard from the Prophet Isaiah. The verses have all been brimming with Hope. Today is no exception. In all times, especially so in troubling times, there are some among us who lead with Hope. Some among us have retreated into different kinds of shells, keeping the world at bay, keeping Hope at a distance.
To all who hope and carry on as we are called to do, Isaiah reminds us: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not!” (Isa 35:3-4). It is the “leave no one behind” call for our time, for all times.
In today’s Gospel, we are again reminded of our duty to our sisters and brothers: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” Take a moment today and reach out to someone on the edge of left behind, someone gone or going astray, or someone just hunkered down in their own shell waiting for troubles to pass. You might just be the only ray of light and hope they experience today. Your act will have cosmic repercussions, for when you do there will be rejoicing in heaven.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)