Homily: Feast of St. Ambrose

Feast of St. Ambrose (Isaiah 40:25:31) “Can We Soar?”

The readings that we have during the Advent Season are filled with hope. We hear of a new ideal world where all the struggles that we endure from day to day disappear: The sick are healed, the hungry are fed, wars are no longer necessary and peace and justice reign.

We have a beautiful passage today. There are two images that are used in these Biblical verses. We picture a person who has grown weary under their burdens. We all feel a little tired right now, so this image is apropos.

Why are we drained? Perhaps it is because we are fighting off some virus? There are a lot of them going around lately. For those who have been with me at Mass, you know that I have been fighting a bug since Thanksgiving. We may also be worn down by the thought of holiday shopping and preparations. When we pay attention to the big picture we might also be discouraged. There continues to be conflict in our world. We are divided from each other by so much.

Isaiah tells us to look beyond the present realities. A better world is coming. We can give up on life. I am so saddened when I hear of people doing that. I am afraid this is becoming more common. I can’t help but think that it is because our society is less and less religious. People who live in far worse conditions throughout the world seem to have more joy in their life than Americans do. Perhaps they can look over the horizon to a better day.

We know that if we are running a race, we take heart when we can see the finish line ahead. If we have our eyes on the coming of the Kingdom, we can find new strength as well.

The other symbol that we reflect on in this passage is that of the eagle. What does the eagle usually represent in the Bible. It represents God’s power and strength. Isaiah says that God will lift up the tired and the weary. In fact, we can soar if we can maintain our faith and trust in the Lord. The words of Isaiah remind us of the importance of religious faith in our lives. With faith we can be strengthened to make it through any trial.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Am I worn out right now? Why is that so?

2.    Does prayer help when I am struggling? Can I look back at my life and see that I am stronger because of my faith?

 Dear Parishioners,

We had a good number of people at our church cleaning yesterday. This ministry is very important because there are usually nooks and crannies that our maintenance crew cannot get to. The cleaning has been very difficult to do the last few years with the constant work going on around the church. Soon we will be tearing out some flooring in the old Blessings area as we prepare to open the entry way between the church and our gathering center. The dirt and dust are another sign that the end of the construction is near.

          As Christmas approaches, I want to also thank all those who will be decorating the church. I would remind everyone that you can donate towards Christmas flowers by dropping an envelope in the regular collection marked “flowers.”

          Thanks to all who are good stewards of their time and talents and help here at Sacred Heart.

          May the Immaculate Conception pray for us this week.

          Fr. Mark