Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s readings almost break away thematically from the advent themes of preparation and waiting. Rather, it picks up the theme of rest and renewal. The focus is also on the One who will “renew their strength: (Is 40:31) and the One who will “give rest” (Mt 11:28). Both to the exiled people of Israel and the poor peasants of Jesus’ time, renewal and rest would be welcome news. But we are not in any less need of renewal and rest ourselves. All of Scripture provides situations which are beyond human control. The slavery of the people of Israel in Egypt, the Red Sea, and the powerful armies of Israel’s enemies were beyond the control of the Israelites. The exile in Babylon was yet another such situation. Redemption could only come from God in such cases. The experience of the Israelites reminded them that God would ultimately renew them and restore them. Thus, after fifty years of waiting, finally they hear the news of their redemption from Babylon. Isaiah emphasizes two things in his proclamation: first, he proclaims the glory of the God who redeems them by saying, “The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. (Is 40: 28). Second, he promises “strength to the fainting” and “ for the “weak he makes vigor abound” (Is 40:29).

The situation of the time of Jesus was no different. Under Roman occupation, the Israelites were in great misery. But the oppression came also from within the Israelites social organization. The Pharisees made religion a chore and excluded many people from communion. It was a situation that was beyond human redemption. Only God could act to redeem them. God, in Jesus thus calls those who were burdened to come to Him. Jesus promises them rest. Let us think of the adulterous woman, or Zacchaeus, or Matthew, or the twelve disciples. They found rest for their heart and soul in Jesus. Jesus made God accessible and love the healing power behind the ministry.

There are many today “who labor and are burdened” (Mt 11:28). There is the burden of sin, the burden of the global financial crisis, the burden of unforgiveness, the burden of despair and death. Some of us may ourselves be experiencing some of these situations. Perhaps we realize that in one way or another, these situations are beyond human control. Only God can lead us to renewal and rest.
“Come to Me” (Mt 11:28), Jesus says. No matter what our situation or the situations of those we know, let us bring them all to Jesus. A perfect surrender of our condition to Jesus can bring us rest. Expressing our need for God can bring our tremendous renewal. God’s promise is true. Jesus did come at Christmas. Jesus did renew us on the cross. Jesus does bring us to eternal rest. Let us spend some time before God in surrender.

-Fr. Satish Joseph