Our first reading today on this Advent Weekday is the same from last Sunday. Its first theme is the consolation that God is offering to his people! Isaiah is prophesying the end of the Babylonian Captivity: the restoration of the people of God to his good graces and favors: literally. Its second theme is "right alignment" – the only way to meet the coming Messiah is "straightaway" – therefore the "paths that lead to him need to be made straight, mountains made low, valleys filled in: so that all can walk right up to him and "look him straight in the eye, and he us" when at last he comes. The third theme is the "gentleness" with which this powerful God shepherds his flock: like cherished lambs he treats them – carrying them in his arms, holding them close to his heart!
The gospel passage takes up this idea: Jesus goes after the lost sheep not only of the house of Israel – but anyone, anywhere, any time. He holds it close to his heart, and carries it back to the center of the fold of the assembly of charity, the assembly of friends – where it belongs!
The Messiah – the One who came, the One who is to come again – can be our "comfort!" We can "look him straight in the eye" – rejoice, and allow him to hold us and encourage us – to do all that he commands us to do for our own good and the good of others!
The day of the Lord is near: Behold, he comes to save us!
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