Isaiah 41:13-20 / Matthew 11:11-15
Every now and then, we hear this question “May I help you?” or “How can I help you?”
Usually, it is from a service personnel or a sales representative, and probably that is what they were trained to do when interacting with a customer.
But when it comes to a critical matter, and when we do really need help, then those questions can be consoling.
Especially so when the one asking the question is sincere and has the ability to offer us some solution.
In the 1st reading, God was addressing His people who had gone through a devastating and humiliating time.
God says this: I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the hand. I tell you, “Do not be afraid, I will help you.”
That was indeed a great consolation for the People of God, especially in that time of distress.
As we reflect on those words of God, we will also realise that we all need help from God.
We need help to repent of our sins and to turn away from sin.
We need help to live the life of holiness and grow in the virtues of kindness, gentleness, compassion and humility.
God will help us when we stretch out our hands and our hearts to Him.
And may we also stretch out our hands to those who come to us for help.