It’s hard for me to read or listen to reports on immigration
and refugees, random shootings, hate crimes, health care reform, opioid
addiction, wildfires, climate change, etc. and apply today’s readings to the world today
without a bit of doubt and cynicism. “The wolf be a guest of the lamb?” He’s kidding, right? After all these
millennia since Isiah was written, it would seem we still can’t be civil in our
disagreements nor tolerate differences, whether it be on the world stage or in
our families and communities.” These readings evoke hope for sure, but also doubt
and cynicism…and a longing for the peace and justice and flourishing that the
prophet Isaiah promises, and which resound in today’s Psalm—"Justice shall
flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.”
I’ve stopped listening to the news programs. I also have gotten a whole lot better at not
reading the comment sections of internet news items. It’s not healthy for me spiritually. There are too few voices of hope, and too
much hatred. I may be less informed than
I used to be, but I would rather spend time listening and watching (which needs
close and careful attention) for signs of hope, of reconciliation, of humble
human compassion and celebration of diversity.
This advent let’s pray in hope for the weaker of our brethren
in the Body of Christ. We pray that we may be voices of hope. We pray that God
make a home in us that we may notice and bless and nourish every movement
towards peace, justice, compassion, reconciliation; every moment that leads us
back to God.
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