Scripture:
Isaiah 66:10-14c
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Reflection:
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13
God wants to comfort us, but it may be difficult to let Him. I think we often go to others when we are distressed, and certainly there are times when a hug, or consoling words from a close friend or relative are important. And yet, God almighty Himself also wants to comfort us.
If you are a parent, it’s easy to understand this longing. There is nothing worse than seeing one of your children hurting! When they are small, you pick them up and hold them close assuring them that everything will be okay. You are happy to be able to help them and hold them as long as they need you. As they get older, it becomes more difficult to kiss away their hurts. And yet, you would do almost anything to help them, even to the point of taking on the pain yourself.
Today as I was pondering this idea, I found myself extremely stressed out about a situation in our neighborhood that could very possibly negatively affect the sale of our home. As I was trying to come up with a positive way to deal with the problem, God asked me to trust Him. I know I need to trust Him, and I want to trust Him, but it’s hard to stop my mind from trying to solve the problem. We are so conditioned to take care of things ourselves. How much better to let go and trust the One who can see the bigger picture.
It might help to visualize God comforting us, just as our mothers did when we were little. Some people imagine climbing up on God’s lap and letting Him hold them. For many this might seem awkward at best. So why not imagine ourselves as little kids again when we need comfort? Scripture tells us that we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God. It can also help us run to Him when we are hurting so that He can tell us it will be okay. He doesn’t take away the pain or prevent us from suffering, but He will go through it with us, comforting us as a mother does her child.
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].