‘My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected, and the despised?’

Rev Jesse Jackson

Isaiah invited us last week to imagine a different world and a different way of being together by using images of a world restored. Pope Francis keeps referring to a ‘culture of encounter’. Advent’s vision of a peaceable realm is not just about a lion and lamb together, but about seemingly more unimaginable – people living justly and peacefully together and in harmony with creation.

We are being prepared to bring God into our hearts, lives and world. We are being prepared for the coming of the One who reveals God’s priorities which are different to those of the world’s rulers.  Something powerful happened when God became flesh who in Jesus hit the streets, especially those of the poor. Jesus’ mission in bringing ‘good news to the poor’ and identifying with ‘the least of these’ was expressed in nonviolent living: turning the other cheek, practicing  humility, going the extra mile, putting away their swords, loving one’s including one’s enemies in order to usher in ‘peace on earth, good will toward all’.

Can we dare to hope for something better than what many politicians, advertisers and social media offer us? Isaiah offers a hopeful vision for peace and justice among the nations: ‘They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war or learn war again.’  He is not describing the end of time when God will draw all people to himself, but it is meant for us today.

God Almighty giver and sustainer of life,
For those whose homes are threatened by fire,
we ask your mercy.
For those whose lives are threatened by flames,
We pray your protection.
For those who have lost all their possessions,
We pray your comfort.
For those whose health is impaired by smoke,
We pray your healing.
Be with those who respond,
Keep safe firefighters, police and volunteers.
Make their efforts effective.
God in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
Amen.

Christine Sine

https://godspacelight.com/2019/11/09/praying-for-bushfire-victims-in-australia-and-california/

Thirty years ago, six Jesuits, their cook, and her 15-year-old daughter were murdered at the University of Central America in San Salvador by Salvadoran government forces. These academics were killed for being outspoken advocates for the poor and suffering in a country wracked by years of violent civil war. Their concern was to work for a more just society according to the vision more recently expressed by Pope Francis of the Church as a field hospital for the wounded, a poor church for the poor. According to the gospel, we are reminded that our actions reveal our commitment to it which is ultimately the building of God’s upside-down Reign.