The WORD in ADVENT
The image we are given to contemplate today is that of the good shepherd with a lamb in his bosom, caressing it with compassion and love! This is no strange or unfamiliar image for us... we have always imagined ourselves as a sheep in the hands of a shepherd. That is what we are in the hands of God. It is an humbling experience everyday to realise how much the Lord loves us - inspite of our weaknesses and limitations, repeated failures and endless mistakes.
When we feel overwhelmed with struggles and surrounded by troubles, it is enough to contemplate this picture and we shall feel the warmth of his embrace and the consolation of his whispers. Despite the enemies that surround us, we will feel a sense of security; and there we will find the strength to begin anew and resume our walk with the Lord. We are called to prepare the way of the Lord and the first step is to know and realise that way, in our lives and our ways of living.
At times we may feel a bit lost, with no clues as to how to go about, what is right, what is to be established and what is to be challenged, and above all, how! We may find hindrances and hurdles, at times tempatations and weaknesses from within too. But let us not lose heart. "The grass withers, the flower fades; but the Word of our God will stand for ever" and we will never be lost, for the good Shepherd will always come in search, will certainly find us and will gently lead us on! All that we need to do is, surrender to our Shepherd!