Homily for 7 Dec 2016

7 Dec 2016

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Those are very comforting words spoken by the Lord.  And if we ever feel the need to “come to him” for rest or strength, there are many places to go. 

Jesus is present in the Eucharist, of course.  We can come to him here at Mass, or sit in quiet prayer before his presence in the tabernacle. 

Jesus is present in the words of Scripture.  We can come to him and find peace or empowerment in the words he speaks, in the parables he tells, and so on.

Jesus is present in the ordained priest, in the bishop, in the deacon.  We can come to him for healing, for counsel, for forgiveness and guidance in those who represent the Good Shepherd.

Jesus is present in the community of the faithful.  We can come to him and hear his words of consolation or encouragement on the lips of those who love us and care for us.

And Jesus is present within us, in our soul.  We can come to him by listening to our conscience, to our desires for what is good and right.  We can come to him by resting in the person God has made us to be.

“Come to me,” Jesus say, “and I will give you rest.”  And we don’t have to go very far to reach him.  He’s all around us, and within us.  The peace of God is . . . right here.