Readings: Isaiah 40:25-31; psalm 103; Matthew 11:28-30
In the First Reading of today, God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah invites us to ponder on His greatness.
He is God who has no equal.
Mighty is His power, great is His strength. He is everlasting.
He creates the boundaries of the earth and the powers of heaven.
He doesn’t grow tired or weary.
His wisdom and understanding are unfathomable.
He renews the strength of those who are tired and all those who hope in Him.
As mighty as God is, He is always very gentle and patient with us. He is mighty yet kind, caring and loving, helping the weak and the weary and listening to the cries of those who hope in Him. This is our God.
Two things we are called to therefore keep in mind today.
I. Whatever we are going through, God is our helper, our rock and refuge. He invites us to come to Him. Perhaps we are struggling with a situation, a burden in our heart, a need, a pain, a relationship, people’s attitude towards us. Perhaps life’s burden is getting heavier, we are uncertain about the future, our hearts are becoming anxious and afraid, and worry is unsettling our peace. Let us contemplate the greatness of God and allow the revelation of His greatness and His love to restore our rest and peace of mind.
II. As we ponder on the greatness of God and His humility and gentleness, let us heed Jesus’ invitation to learn these virtues from Him – the virtues of humility and gentleness. When we are humble and gentle of heart, we more greatly reflect the nature of God to those we relate with.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on December 7, 2022.