Isaiah 41:13-20 / Matthew 11:11-19
Our hands are a versatile part of our body.
A lot of work and creativity is done with our hands.
Our hands are also a sensitive part of our body.
Holding hands is an intimate gesture, which is not quite the same as shaking hands.
When parents and children hold hands, when couples hold hands, when a care-giver or doctor holds the hand of a patient, it is an unspoken gesture of love and care.
In the 1st reading, God tells His people this: I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, "Do not be afraid, I will help you."
The people would have understood what that meant.
Although God did not literally hold their hands, yet God reached out to hold their hearts so that they will be comforted.
God also reaches out to hold our hearts with His hands so that we can feel that intimate love He has for us.
Let this time of Advent be a time to let our hearts be still and to know that God holds our hearts lovingly with His hands.