Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her;
exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
I first encountered this passage from Isaiah as a deacon preparing for mass. The priest who presided at the Mass altered the reading before the lector read it, "because it's too much for the folks in this town." Not many years younger than him, I suspected the anxiety was his, not theirs.
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| St Augustine, Florida |
After hearing the threatening readings from the Prophet Amos of this past week, I am glad to hear Isaiah's words of comfort this morning. And who could be more comfortable than a baby nursing with delight at a mother's breast?
"Our Lady of La Leche holds a special place in the heart of the Diocese of St. Augustine in North Florida, where the first Mass was celebrated in what is now the United States (probably by Spanish Franciscans.) She still nurtures us as our Patroness.
The most common image of Jesus in the Catholic Church is the crucifixion; it appears upon or above every altar in every sanctuary in the world. We find comfort in the sight but it is surely not a comfortable depiction of the Lord. It is good to remember that his Mother stood by him on that Good Friday, and he found comfort in her presence.
I believe that Jesus, the Son of God, in his infinite capacity to receive as well as give comfort, must have found a deeply satisfying pleasure in her being there even as she -- conceived without sin and advancing from grace to grace throughout her life -- offered her maternal presence. She could be nowhere else. By her perfect obedience to the Holy Spirit, she has that infinite capacity for giving comfort. In his flesh he remembered the nipple and milk that filled his mouth. It was good.
She stood for you and me also, as the Mother of the Church, as we would also stay on Calvary to comfort him. As we must sometimes stay within our personal discomfort when we're afflicted with disappointment, anguish, or grief. As neither Mary nor Jesus refused what had to happen; as they confidently obeyed the Spirit which led them to Jerusalem on many occasions; so do we accept the sorrows that find us wherever we are.
The saints encourage us to remember the desolation when we experience consolation, and remember the consolation when desolations come upon us. During this season of discontent, Mary offers reassurance, consolation, and comfort.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.