Isaiah 40:11.

“He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast.”  

Perhaps in our modern world, which has become very high tech, the image of a shepherd can be lost on us. However, Isaiah, by reminding us of the role of a shepherd, that is one who gathers, feeds and holds his sheep close, gives us a very powerful image of God and the nature of God. This role of a shepherd is further enhanced in the Gospel for today. A true shepherd will forever look for the one that goes astray. 

Likewise our God is a God who cares. He also knows that we can lose our sense of direction and wander far from him. But he will like a good shepherd seek us out gather us to himself and feed us. 

Advent is a time when we seek to be reconciled to God and so we should take the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

During this period of Advent let us increase our awareness and understanding of God who is always merciful and loving. 

St Augustine reminds us, “God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.” For the Lord is, a caring and good shepherd, who never fails to gather us to himself.