I remember helping in a homeless shelter where a programme leader told a participant how well she was doing well in a maths workshop. She beamed! Her face lifted, and genuine compliments have the power to lead to growth. It’s a divine act to recognise the value of others. Think of that first reading from the prophet Baruch, which presents us with the other side of the mirror if we like, giving us a way in to how God looks upon us. God sees us in all the beauty of our creation, in the span of who we are becoming: wrapped in a “robe of righteousness” with the “crown of the glory of the Everlasting” upon us. This is God’s love language; like lovers who can’t take their eyes of each other or can’t believe how lucky they are to be together. God is essential for our self-esteem and the Advent season is full of encouragement. Notice how often we hear the call to arise, to look upwards, look to the dawn, look east, look upwards for salvation is near. We look upwards to see our worth. This Advent let us ask for the grace of new vision to see ourselves as God sees us, to acknowledge our self-worth and help others recognise their worth.  

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Father Ryan Service Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart, Sutton Coldfield