Thursday of the second week of Advent
Isaiah is so amazing. He offers hope. He sees imminent possibilities for the human race. He warns. And also he chastises. (More on that later.)
I’ve always loved this scripture that appeared in the Mass readings yesterday:
God gives strength to the fainting,
for the weak he makes vigor abound.
Though young men faint and grow weary,
and youth stagger and fall,
They that hope in the Lord
will renew their strength,
they will soar as with eagle’s wings;
They will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.
— Isaiah 40:30-31.
I just spoke with Betsy today, Lord. She’s eighty-something and has had a marvelous 65 year love affair with John. I last saw them on the couch, both dressed in denim gaga-eyed like teenagers. Now John is slipping away into another world within himself. And yet, she finds that her God and the angels are lifting her up on eagle’s wings. And she tells me — to her delight –she feels renewed by her faith and the Magnificat I got her as a gift. Today she told me to reread p. 335 in the October issue. Renew her vigor, Lord.
Monday night I spoke with Aaron, Lord, a really good guy, 32, who violated his probation. He has “staggered and fallen” again, even though I know he wants badly to get clean. He has lost his vigor, has lost his way. Be with him, too, Lord.
And then, praying about this Isaian text, I want to mention the guys on the corner of Broward and I-95, Lord. I don’t care what they do with the buck I give them. I just look them in the eye, give them a thumbs up and ask their name. When the light changes, I lift them up in prayer. Their sign often says “Homeless Vet.” Young men whose souls are buried deep within. Homelessness is tough, Lord. I know. I had a brief bout of it. Be with them, too, Lord. I’d love to find a way to help these guys find their souls again, Lord. Let them run again, Lord, into the wind. Let us honor the poorl, Lord. They have much to teach the rest of us.
Then there’s Sean, Lord. He’s down for the count this Christmas because his marriage is headed for divorce and they have to get the kids through it all. Be with that family, Lord, and all the homes in our land that are not sweetness and light before Christmas.
I, myself, praise you, Lord, because you have restored my vigor in marvelous ways. You’re renewing my strength. And I’d love to soar as if with eagle’s wings if you would grant me that grace. Soar to the heights of the mountains and dive to the depths of the ocean of Your love, Lord. At age 66, I’m ready and willing to serve You, Lord for the next twenty years.
Whatever You will, Lord. Whatever you will..
Day by day, let us serve You and Your people the best we can.
And now enjoy Godspell’s Day by Day. Have a great day!
With love,
Bob Traupman
priest – writer
Father Bob's Reflections 