“‘Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever.’” (Is 40:8)
I think it is good for us to reflect from time to time on just how tentative our human existence is. The hard reality is that all of us will wither, wilt, and pass away like the grass of the field. We do much in our society to insulate ourselves from this reality, but the nagging truth cannot be ignored. Those who have no faith in God and no belief in life after death can only await the expected annihilation that comes with human death.
But today’s readings tell us that our God comes with power, and like a shepherd feeds his flock, gathers them in his arms, and holds them close to his heart. Our God is the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one. Can it be clearer that each one of us is immeasurably valuable to God? God became human and took upon himself all our guilt and shame, dying an ignominious death to show us the depth of his love. And then he rose from the dead, showing us that God has power over life and death, and giving us a glimpse of the future glory that God has in store for us. Not a glory like the flowers in a field, but a glory that comes from perfect unity with our Heavenly Father.
Yes, our life on this earth will pass away like a fading shadow, but the brightness of a new day awaits us. And the promise of eternal life; the promise of complete human fulfillment lies wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem.
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