To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Catholic Men’s Devotionals, Week 9 – The Comforter

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that her warfare is ended,

that her iniquity is pardoned,

that she has received from the LORD’s hand

double for all her sins.

A voice cries:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the LORD Shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:1–5

Our walk as Catholic men is not always a smooth one, at least from a worldly standpoint. We experience trials along the road of life, obstacles to our spiritual growth and happiness, and confusion and sadness in times of trouble.

We stumble and fall as we walk this narrow way, picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off, and sometimes wondering if this life of faith is even worth the effort we put into it. We just want a little comfort, a break, a respite from the weary way. We may question how we can offer comfort to others when we need so much comfort ourselves.

Where can we find our rest from the woes of the world? How can we find strength to live our Catholic Faith and share it with others? This week, we will consider these ideas:

1.         God wants to speak comfort into our lives.

God is a tender Father who longs to forgive us our wrongs and sooth our weary souls. His love for us is perfect, and his plan is that we discover and embrace his glorious and eternal care.

2.         God disciplines us to lead us to a better way.

God corrects us with his gentle hand, showing us our sins and guiding us back to the righteous road. He wants us to experience the joy of reconciliation and the power of salvation in Christ.

3.         We are commanded to make the way straight.

In ancient times, when great leaders came to a city, men would clear the way, making the roads straight and smooth. In order to remove the obstacles to faith for others, we must offer the example of comfort that Christ has shared with us. We must break down the barriers of fear and confusion that keep others from allowing Jesus to enter into their lives.

4.         Comfort comes when God’s Glory is revealed.

Experiencing God’s mercy and majesty in our broken lives gives us great comfort. Our purpose is not to save souls (which only God can do), but to give glory and honor to God. This is our greatest source of comfort.

5.         Jesus came to give us the comfort with which we comfort others.

As we receive God’s encouragement and comfort, we are able to offer that same comfort to others (2 Cor 1:3–4). The saving power of Jesus comforts us and allows us to pass on that comfort to those who are lost.

A Call to Action

It is our mission as Catholic men to offer the comfort of Christ to others. This week, as you walk the narrow way, gladdened by the grace given you in your baptism, work to become a beacon of God’s light to others. As a member of the Church, be a refuge for the lost souls who do not know the Lord, and for brothers and sisters who may be struggling along the way. Let God’s word, the sacraments, and the teachings and traditions of our faith become the anchor that holds you on the steady path of righteousness as you share the comforting Gospel story with all those around you.

We have received the peace of salvation, and we are called to witness to the grace of God for others. So many outside the Church see Catholicism as burdensome; yet it is really the way of the world that drags humanity down. The power and presence of Christ in his Church and in our individual lives is a soothing balm of comfort for us and others. Jesus calls us to offer his comfort to those inside and outside the Church in order to build up the Body of Christ.

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth devotionals HERE