In our First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is always there; he does not leave or abandon us. Instead we [and many of those we personally know in our lives] abandon Him. Some feel they have justification to turn away, causing an estrangement with the one who created all things.

And despite this, God “leads out their army and numbers them, calling them by name." We are his army. We are his soldiers. We are called to be there, helping those who struggle, even those who deny Him. Isaiah reminds us: “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint."

The Gospel ties perfectly into our First Reading because now, through the mouth of Jesus himself, he reminds us “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Imagine: you recently moved to this area, you’re alone, you don’t know the roads, the local businesses, you’re overwhelmed, burdened in finding your way and you haven’t discovered new friends. But then a neighbor stops by with a warm welcome, a smile that makes you immediately feel relaxed, and they earn your trust by helping you along the way, one step at a time.

In our faith, some have turned away; some have ignored; others simply are not aware. In this Advent season of giving, consider this: how are we an example to help those who labor, are tired and hurt?

How do you help through actions, not words?

Father in Heaven, please help us, your army, to reach out to those who are lost and have turned away, ultimately being the hands/feet to others and leading them back to you. Amen.