Console my people, console them says your God… Where in your life do you need to be consoled? Who in your life needs consolation? Because we belong to families and communities, the need for understanding and consolation is never far from our consciousness. And when things seem beyond us to remember that our God is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes. We can imagine ourselves embraced in that way. Stay and rest awhile in the presence of Jesus and receive the consolation he wants to give us.
John the Baptist we know is the one who prepared the way for the Lord…. when we are open to forgive those who have hurt us, accept difficult situations in our lives, encourage and affirm the gifts and talents of others, respond generously with our own time and express gratitude for the many blessings we have received we prepare a way for the Lord not only to enter our lives but into the lives of others….They can see that our faith is a living faith and authentic.
Fear, anxiety, competition, and jealousy are not of God and will never bring any form of consolation. When we choose and recognize what makes for peace, we are open to receive the consolation that comes from God alone. That is the gift that is worth praying for and longing for as this Season of Advent progresses. St Peter reminds us of this when he encourages his friends to do their best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you in peace…….
You may like to listen to Psalm 120, 'I lift my eyes to the mountains' track 2 from the album 'Holy Land.'
Blessings on your week
Thank you so very much Fr. Chris for your weekly spiritual offerings; I look for them arriving with joy and with hunger, and you never fail to nourish and encourage with your words and song. I often head off to my music cupboard and get out the album you are using each week; I have quite a collection! Thank you so very much, and know that you are prayed for and appreciated.
Miriam