Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
“O worm, O maggot” might not be anyone’s first choice for a pet name—probably not the second either. Yet when I read the first reading, I am struck by a profound sense of God’s love and power. “I will help you, says the Lord” leaves no doubt about his presence and intimate concern for our lives, and reminds us that nothing human or earthly lies beyond God’s ability. He produces water where there was none and sustains life where it seems impossible. This helps put into perspective the things I find difficult versus the things God can—and does, and will—do with ease.
In Advent, we are called to wait and to be patient, and sheesh—how I struggle with this. It takes real effort, or at least enough to say I gave it the ol’ college try and maybe I’ll get it next year. But here we see God saying: Stay with me, because I am with you. I grasp your right hand. I say to you, “Fear not.” I answer those who feel forgotten and do not forsake them.
It is a blessing to discover God’s closeness. This Advent, God invites us not simply to persevere, buckle down, and forcefully discipline ourselves into watchful, attentive waiting on our own, but to notice his hand in our lives—to be still, to grasp it back, and to watch the glorious story of God’s love unfold.
