Shedding the Garments of Sorrow

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, December 8th, 2024:
Second Sunday of Advent

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Baruch
​5.1-9

Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem,
and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God.
Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God;
put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting;
for God will show your splendour everywhere under heaven.
For God will give you evermore the name,
“Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.”

Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height;
look toward the east,
and see your children gathered from west and east
at the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing that God has remembered them.
For they went out from you on foot,
led away by their enemies;
but God will bring them back to you,
carried in glory, as on a royal throne.

For God has ordered that every high mountain
and the everlasting hills be made low
and the valleys filled up, to make level ground,
so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God.
The woods and every fragrant tree
have shaded Israel at God’s command.
For God will lead Israel with joy,
in the light of his glory,
with the mercy and righteousness that come from him.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

What an uplifting verse that speaks of God's promise of restoration and joy to the people of Israel. This passage resonates deeply with me and I’m sure with many women, who often carry the burdens of their families, communities, and personal struggles. The themes of hope, renewal, and divine intervention in this scripture provide a powerful source of inspiration and strength.

As women, we are often the emotional backbone of our families. We carry the weight of our loved ones' sorrows and our own personal afflictions. The weight of daily to-do lists, professional careers, caring for our children, and the mental load of everything that needs to happen to prepare for the next day feels like it’s never-ending. Sometimes I feel like I’m in robot mode. This verse invites us to shed the heavy garments of sorrow that have weighed us down and to embrace the beauty and glory that God bestows upon us. It is a call to let go of past hurts and to trust in God's plan for our lives. By doing so, we open ourselves to the healing and transformative power of God's love.

This is a reminder that our true worth and beauty come from God. In a world that often judges women based on external appearances and societal expectations, it is vital to remember that our value is intrinsic and God-given. Wearing the robe of righteousness and the diadem of glory signifies living a life that reflects God's love and grace. It encourages us to walk with dignity and confidence, knowing that we are cherished daughters of the Everlasting.

It calls us to shed our sorrows, embrace our God-given worth, and trust in His promise of renewal. For some it might be easier than others. Trusting and embracing who I am is something I work on daily, and I know it needs to be a priority for my own healing. By walking in God's light and living out His righteousness, we become embodiments of His peace and glory. 

No matter the challenges we face, God's love and faithfulness will always prevail, leading us to a future filled with joy and fulfillment.




Shelly Fillmore

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