It is only natural that we have some favourite Scripture passages. Today’s reading from Isaiah is one of mine. I first became more conscious of it in the movie, Chariots of Fire. The movie centres on two men in the English Olympic track and field team for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Harold Abrahams runs because of his love of running and conquering anti-Semitism, while Eric Liddell, a devoted clergyman of the Church of Scotland, makes international headlines when he refuses to run in his favourite event because it was to be held on a Sunday. On that Sunday, Liddell preaches in the Church of Scotland in Paris and takes today’s first reading as his text.

I have used Isaiah 40:30-31 often when working with young people and share with them that, ‘Young people may grow tired and weary, and youths may stumble. But those who place their trust in their God will renew their strength, and they will put out wings like eagles, and they will run and not grow weary, walk and never tire.’

It’s a universal truth that we all grow tired and weary, and we all carry heavy burdens. Our journey into the mind and heart of Christ can sometimes feel like a bridge too far. But our Advent call is to reach up and allow our God to take our hand. Come to our God, just as we are. Allow God to wrap arms around us, walk beside us and yes, even at times, carry us.

by Br Damien Price cfc