“Walking in the Light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:1-5) demands reflection,
admitting weakness, turning ourselves around…with the grace of God.
It did my
heart good to read the words of Isaiah today. The world doesn’t seem like a
peaceful place very often. Thanks(?) to the
internet, we’ve all seen places where the lives of children break our hearts. We’ve
met young people whose lives are scarred by war and violence. My spirit is sometimes devastated at the
cruelty of people toward other human beings. But the world doesn’t have to be that way.
We all need
to try to bring peace to the world, and we can start in our own little corners.
We can try to walk
in the paths of the God of Jacob. We can all try to
turn whatever our
own weapon is into
plowshares. Instead of cutting people with words and
deeds, let’s sow love and understanding. Instead of using a spear to deflate someone
else, let’s turn that spear into a pruning hook and help someone grow and
develop. Let me turn that sharp retort,
a raised voice into something reasonable. Let me take a deep breath and practice
patience when the grandchildren start throwing tantrums, or when I’m
interrupted for the umpteenth time. Let
me realize that sarcasm and laughing at others can hurt or injure someone. When my day becomes crowded and busy, let me
make time for someone who just needs a kind word or a friendly smile.
War and
violence are not just in war zones between soldiers. Violence can erupt anywhere, fueled by
resentment and hate. Turning
swords into plowshares is something we can all do, where we are. As we begin the season of Advent, let each of
us be a candle in the darkness and try to live out that familiar song: “Let
there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
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