Advent Reflections Day 10 (9th December 2025)
First reading: Isa 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-2.3 and 10ac.11-12a.12b-13
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14
Advent is the season of joyful waiting, but it is also the season of divine comfort. The prophet Isaiah cries out today: “Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.” God draws near to whisper words of tenderness and mercy. The Gospel illustrates how He does it: the Good Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine safe sheep and goes in search of the one that is lost, until He finds it. He does not wait for the lost sheep to find its own way home. He goes out, climbs the mountains, and walks through the thorns. God is not distant but passionately in love with every single soul, especially the one who feels most lost, most broken and most unworthy.
- We are called to be instruments of God’s comfort, not pain: The Spirit is the Consoler. When we pray with someone, we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit to bring the very comfort of God into wounded hearts. The Lord wants to speak that word of forgiveness and healing afresh to His people today.
- We know what it is to be the lost sheep who has been found: Many of us can testify: “I once was lost, but now am found.” Perhaps we were practicing Catholics but living far from the Lord’s heart. Perhaps we were crushed by sin, addiction, bitterness, or despair. We can not keep silent because we have experienced that heaven rejoices more over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance.
- The Shepherd is still searching even now: In this season of Advent, let us renew our yes to be instruments of the Father’s tender comfort. Let us not be afraid to go after the one lost sheep, the family member who has stopped practicing, the young person who says “the Church has nothing for me,” the soul drowning in depression or addiction. The Shepherd is counting on us to climb those mountains with Him.
Prayer:
- Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, help me to become a fearless carrier of your comfort and tender mercy to the lost and the broken.
- Holy Spirit, Consoler, give us prophetic eyes to see the one lost sheep in our families, parishes, and workplaces.
Written by Rev Fr Andrew Falajiki