Come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! December 4

Monday of the First Week of Advent

He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Isaiah 2:4

The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:8

Piety

Your peace is given to me, O God. May I accept and cherish it. May your peace be before me and within me. May I recognize your peace around me. May I leave your peace in places or people who are in turmoil. May my heart be open today and throughout Advent, my steps directed toward and my eyes set on the New Jerusalem “a city with compact unity” for all whom you call.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120406.shtml
Isaiah and the psalmist speak of peace in Jerusalem. This from the era of that New Testament God who aided Joshua to bring down Jericho’s walls. From the God who trained the Israelites in battle (Judges 3), Isaiah’s are compelling images that are stark today: They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks (Is 2:4). In an agrarian society, this image is of livelihood, sustaining family and culture. For us the image is linked to the words of the Eucharistic celebration: “Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life… Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.” Isaiah’s vision is of celebrating the presence, the goodness, the peace of God in very basic, everyday tasks.

In the Psalm 122, Jerusalem is characterized as a city of unity and peace. God calls to all children. Pope Benedict prayed at the Blue Mosque. God calls Moslems. Benedict celebrated a divine liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Phanar, the headquarters of the Patriarch of Constantinople. God calls the Orthodox.

Jesus, in the Gospel is amazed at the words of the Centurion, an officer of a pagan, occupying force that brutalized the Jews: “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mtt 8:11) God calls Romans, soldiers, foreigners, and people who are undocumented.

But how to build peace with war waging? What can one person do? Even praying is hard when my heart is full of anger at terrorists, fear from crime, disgust with the policies of countries, including the US, which choose violence, and frustration at the media which thrives on sensational stories about violent behavior.

So what I can do is strive for peace in my own heart. Advent is a season to practice alert, watchful waiting, while building the Kingdom. “I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’ Because of the house of the LORD, our God, I will pray for your good.” (Ps 122:8-9)

With a peaceful heart I can see and accept that my own view of others and the world is indeed limited. God accepts all who would come to God. I can expect that “In God all things are possible.” I can expect that God will move others’ hearts because God has moved my own heart to peace. Now, can I move from my limited view and open myself up to God’s welcoming promise?

Action

Take a few minutes of quiet: close your eyes and softly play Gregorian chant or some sacred music by Beethoven….walk a labyrinth…recite The Peace Prayer slowly, mindfully…walk in a quiet park and observe God’s grandeur…breathe slowly and recite the Jesus prayer…

Now give the people in your life the benefit of that peaceful moment. Rejoice! Walk in the light of the LORD!


DeColores

Beth DeCristofaro