Tuesday Reflection by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120721.cfm
The very first line in Isaiah says: “Comfort, give comfort to my people”. When we think of comfort, we might think of sitting on a beach watching the waves, or, on these chilly days, sitting in a lazy boy chair before a peaceful fire.
As good as those sound, however, that’s not what Isaiah means by comfort. Actually, the word comfort comes from 2 Latin words: ‘com’ and ‘fortis’, and literally means “with strength”. In other words, God’s way of giving comfort is to give us the strength to do what needs to be done. As God’s strength comes, the situation we’re dealing with may not have changed, but we have a new ability to face it and deal with it.
At the time Isaiah spoke these words to the people, they were in exile. They had lost everything because of their unfaithfulness in Israel and were now slaves in Babylon. What they needed were words of comfort, not “I told you so”, words that God still cared for them, and that there was hope. They needed strength to face the journey home some future day when they could rebuild their temple and city.
Even more interesting about the word “comfort” is that this word in Hebrew can also be translated as “repent” … 2 unlikely words, ‘comfort and repent’, we wouldn’t put together. No doubt the heartbroken Israelites were deep in sorrow and remorse and needed God to breath comfort that strengthened their weary spirits. What better image for Isaiah’s message of comfort than that of the Good Shepherd who never abandons us.
Today we celebrate the legendary Saint Ambrose who was a bishop who also shepherded and comforted his people with kindness and courage. Born into an aristocratic family in 340, Ambrose became a respected lawyer and eventual governor of Milan. Always seeking peaceful resolutions to disputes, he even pleaded with Church officials to settle their differences by electing a bishop who could listen and resolve problems. To his surprise, they elected him…and he wasn’t even baptized yet! His first act as bishop was to distribute all his land and money help the poor. This new bishop studied scripture and spoke eloquent sermons which drew large crowds. His preaching even converted a young rebellious man we have come to know as St. Augustine. As Bishop, he never lost sight of the poor and helpless, and settled disputes peacefully and nonviolently. He wrote: “No man heals himself by wounding another.”
There are many today who need a comforting message in their lives…a friend who is sick, a relative who struggles financially, a child who is bullied, an elderly neighbor who is lonely. Like Isaiah and St. Ambrose, may we speak tenderly to them and bring them peace by our loving acts.
“Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.”
