Father Bob's Reflections

Wednesday of the third 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 recently:

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 ring up Betsy often, 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 Mass book  I got her as a gift.   Renew her vigor, Lord.

Today  I got a notice for hefty fines for Augie, Lord, a really good guy, 34 for something or other; I didn’t know he was back in town.  He has “staggered and fallen” again. 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 poor, 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, praise you, Lord, because you have restored my vigor in marvelous ways at age 68!  You’re renewing my strength.  And I’d love to soar as if with eagle’s wings if you’d grant me that grace.  Soar to the heights of the mountains and dive to the depths of the ocean of Your love, Lord.  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 Michael Joncas’ anointed song “On Eagles’ Wings”  Click here. Turn up your speakers, enter full screen and have a great day ~ whether you want to or not!

With love,

Bob Traupman

contemplative writer