Many people are used to rather frightening Old Testament images of God. But Isaiah presents us with a different understanding of God - a tender and loving mother. Jerusalem is the dwelling place of God and it has been laid waste, its people broken and frightened. But once again Jerusalem will be the feminine face of God, offering comfort and nourishment for all. Jerusalem will experience joy and new life. When we are broken, sad, discouraged, or lonely God will comfort and restore us in the same way. God is not distant and cold, but closer to us than our own heartbeat. We are never alone or without God's sustaining love.

What are children like? They are not always well-behaved, but at their best, they are humble, affectionate, open, trusting, and filled with wonder. They delight in learning new things, and have not yet become cynical, fearful, or cruel. Children have no power or status of their own and have to depend on the power of others. Jesus encourages us not to be immature or childish, but to develop some of these more admirable qualities of children in our dealings with one another and the world around us. We need to start over again as children and learn what it really means to be human in a divine way.