Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 40:25–31; Psalm 103; Matthew 11:28–30
Summary
The Second Week of Advent invites us into the themes of humility and pride, and today’s readings make that contrast vivid.
In our first reading, Isaiah presents the tension between the negative self-talk of humanity and the “omni” qualities of God:
- Omnipresence — all-present
- Omniscience — all-knowing
- Omnipotence — all-powerful
- Omnibenevolence — all-good
Isaiah challenges Israel’s complaint:
“Why, O Jacob, do you say…
‘My way is hidden from the LORD,
and my right is disregarded by my God’?” (Isa 40:27)
At first hearing, this may sound like humility — but on closer inspection, it is actually a form of pride.
Despondency can be a self-centered despair:
- “I can’t do it, therefore I am helpless.”
- “I am beneath God’s concern.”
But Isaiah answers with hope:
“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength;
they will soar on eagles’ wings…
run and not grow weary…
walk and not grow faint.” (Isa 40:31)
The psalm adds:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul…
and forget not all His benefits.” (Ps 103:1–2)
A humble person knows their worth comes not from themselves, but from God.
Genesis reminds us:
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.” (Gen 1:26–27)
Our dignity is inseparable from the Divine Image — and we are called to grow into that likeness.
In the Gospel, Jesus does two beautiful things:
- He acknowledges the burdens of life.
- He offers rest that is only a hug away.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest…
for I am meek and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:28–30)
Reflection
The Lord our God is meek and humble.
He possesses all the “Omni” attributes we associate with divinity — yet none of the pride that humans attach to power.
His powerful love is the essential relationship.
The image in which we were created is His gift, meant to be shared with Him and with one another.
Be at rest in the Lord.
Personal Reflection
I realize I need to be humble to accept the humble love of God.
I need to be meek to accept the meek love of God.
Pretty cool, if you ask me.
Full readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry