We modern citizens often think of comfort as a nice physical feeling. The word carries connotations of relaxation and pleasure. God's definition of comfort far exceeds our physical expectations. God brings a total package of comfort to our body, mind, soul, and spirit. He brings Himself as the Comforter (Is 51:12).
This Advent, the Lord is speaking a new word of comfort. He comforts our afflicted bodies by healing us. He comforts all who mourn (Is 61:2). Like the exiled Israelites, we may have suffered great afflictions for many long years. However, God's living word spoken in power (Is 40:10) gives us comfort (see Ps 119:50).
He comforts our minds by shepherding us personally (Is 40:11). God our Shepherd is always by our side giving us comfort through peace of mind. The psalmist says: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (see Ps 23:4, RSV-CE).
God knows that we have sinned and even have paid the price in suffering for our sins (see Is 40:2). He comforts our souls by bringing restoration. He declares: "I saw their ways, but I will heal them and lead them; I will give full comfort to them" (Is 57:18).
God comforts our spirits by personally, tenderly feeding us His word. "As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort" (Is 66:13). "Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort" (Is 66:11), the "pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation" (1 Pt 2:2).
| PRAYER: | Father, "when cares abound within me, Your comfort gladdens my soul" (Ps 94:19). |
| PROMISE: | "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." –Mt 18:14 |
| PRAISE: | St. Juan Diego went to comfort his sick uncle and saw God heal his uncle completely. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College