The Lord our God comes with power. — (see Isaiah 40:10ab)

Mass Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11/Matthew 18:12-14 

Finding Comfort 

People talk sometimes about “comfort food.” Maybe it’s macaroni and cheese, tomato soup, even peanut butter — food that just makes you feel good. Perhaps it reminds you of childhood or just plain tastes good. Today’s first reading begins with the word comfort: “Comfort, give comfort to my people.” Funny how the very word “comfort” seems comforting — somehow comfortable. 

Where do we look for comfort amid all the pain of today’s world and the tragedies that touch our lives? Isaiah looked to the one who “like a shepherd . . . feeds his flock.” In today’s Gospel, we recognize that the shepherd in the parable who goes in search of the lost sheep is Jesus himself. He is the one who feeds us at the table of the Eucharist, giving not just comfort, but peace that surpasses understanding. 

Prayer: Prince of Peace, guide our steps in the ways of peace.