Monday of the Second Week of Advent December 6, 2004 Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 15:17-26 Reflection: Finding a way where there is no way—this challenge is at the heart of today’s readings. As we wait with profound longing—and perhaps a touch of impatience—for Isaiah’s vision to come true, we can look at our world and see the exact scene described by the prophet centuries ago: In the midst of today’s “lush wilderness,” there are still many weak hands, feeble knees, fearful hearts. We’re surrounded by sorrow and sighing. But Isaiah insists that the God of justice will find a way to change all that. This is one very creative God! God’s creativity is mirrored in the gospel by the friends of the paralytic. Denied access to healing, and finding every door closed, they refuse to give up. Instead, they lower their friend through a hole in the roof, right in front of Jesus. Such ingenuity cannot be ignored and causes the crowd to exclaim over the astonishing things they have seen: forgiveness and healing, brought about by faith lived creatively. The God of justice, we are clearly told, needs people of faith to find a way where there is no way. Such visioning hastens the fulfillment of God’s dream for our world. Suggested Action: Today re-visit an area of your life where you may be “stuck,” or call to prayer a corner of our world where an entire people are struggling. Ask our creative God to help you and our world break through, break free, break out. Sr. Christine Koellhoffer, IHM Island Park, New York

Graphic: Sr. Donna Korba, IHM