“God has done great things for us…” (Psalm 126)
“Prepare the way …Every valley shall be filled… the rough ways made smooth...” (Luke 3)
The Second Sunday of Advent strengthens our longing for the God of Peace to come swiftly to our shattered world, bringing compassion and light to many troubled areas: Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, etc. Would we not surrender our petty grievances if peace could be had in the devastated areas of our world, in the troubled hearts of the lonely and addicted, in the trauma of those burdened by homelessness and financial concerns? How we long to reconcile Conservatives and Liberals, Democrats and Republicans. Can we open our hearts wide enough to seek understanding without judgment?
We ask God to restore the fortunes of those despondent who worry like watercourses in the desert. Can weeping be turned into carrying and sharing of sheaves?
Healing hearts and lives, and divisions within and between countries are the crooked ways that need straightening out and uneven ground that requires leveling. Such acts are the great things that God longs to do for our world.
As we immerse ourselves in the purple of Advent, may we walk with the people in our troubled cities and world; may we claim the pain that is within our own minds and hearts and lift it to the light, safety and compassion of God’s presence. As the writer of Philippians was confident “that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Christ Jesus,” may we claim with confidence God’s compassionate presence and healing, both for ourselves and for our world.
Our country and the world are not broken; we need to rediscover and believe God’s promise of ongoing presence living in our hearts. We need to claim the strength, hope and commitment to prepare the way of God in our world today- an important task and not one done alone.
“… teach us, O God, to judge wisely the things of earth….” (Prayer after Communion)
-Sister Helen Russell, CSJ
Images: Grant Whitty @grantwhitty/ Kelly Sikkema @kellysikkema Unsplash