Advent/Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Christ into our world, and Advent specifically recognizes and calls us to an awareness of our need for God’s presence in our lives and our society. John the Baptist and the prophet Baruch both highlight that need. Baruch advises the casting off of sorrow and affliction to put on the beauty of God’s glory and the robe of righteousness; he suggests that we stand upon the heights, not in some hidden obscure corner, but to stand where our voice can be heard. We are assured of God’s invitation to this endeavor with the promise of light and peace.
Righteousness is not a term often used today, but that doesn’t mean it is no longer needed in our world. Righteousness points us in the right direction, smooths the obscurities in a circuitous path and proclaims the right course of action, hence the valleys of greed and prejudice become filled up and the everlasting hills of self-seeking and domination are made low. These smoothed-out ways allow the safe arrival of refugees to our country and the low-income person to receive a just wage. Righteousness is a personal quality found in one who is attentive to God’s ways, who lives in faithfulness and gratitude. Righteousness longs for the well-being of Earth and earthlings. It is found where God dwells and keeps company with truth, justice and compassionate thoughtful action.
Psalm 26 reminds us of the ongoing deeds of our God accompanied by the call to laughter and peace. Our gratitude brings us in touch with those marvelous deeds. We not only recall the pregnant Mary and Elizabeth, but we are reminded of the wisdom of Francis who inspires us daily with his commitment to the poor and his desire for righteous living on the part of the church.
John’s call resounds today throughout our world, “Prepare God’s ways; make God’s paths straight.” As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may our hearts and minds be ever open to the challenge of climate change and our response to it. May we seek the ways of compassion and openness as we greet the stranger in our midst. May we allow our hearts and our hands to be quiet as we listen for the calming presence of God’s call in this Advent time: “Come among us, Holy One, come …”
Sister Helen Russell, csj