Moving along, sometimes more quickly than others, Sometimes more like hobbling, or barely there at all, But hope and faith, always looking and taking pause, Trust that the moment will arrive, and take its place.
“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” – Psalm 72:7
During the season of Advent, we wait in anticipation of what’s coming—the birth of Jesus Christ. However, so much of life is about waiting and anticipating what’s coming. And persevering through it requires a level of trust. The response for the Second Sunday of Advent’s Psalm (above) tells us there will be “justice” and “fullness of peace” and it will be “in his time”.
What gets in the way of your ability to trust and be patient? How do you overcome it?
In the Gospel for this Sunday, it is written of John the Baptist:
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” – Matthew 3:3
Take some time now, and throughout the week, to envision yourself as the voice crying out in the desert. The way has already been prepared, and you are crying out, but to the Lord. Share what is on your mind and happening in your heart as this time. What do you need from the Lord? What does the Lord desire for you?
Trees straight ahead standing tall, Making way for what may come, What was, and what is beyond. So willing to share the scene With the bright and countless leaves.
Together in their welcome To fellow lives passing through, Trees and leaves hold each other, One another, as Love holds them too.
The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. – Sirach 35:12
Working my way around, whether by chance or fate, again, once more, I hear, reverberations of, not stern warnings, but of wise voices of the past.
Just as justice for one, affects justice for all, mercy and compassion make the way to goodwill; offspring of love, made by, an even greater Love.
“From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” – Pope Francis
As the leaves made their way to each other, Stretching out from the branches that held them up, Creating a barrier, distorting all that lay behind, The air among them became thick, and hazy too. It’s true what’s lost is found, but so too, Is it true that some things are better lost, Or rather not found but overcome. Not all things that return are welcome, Nor should they be. What binds One and all together, that’s what is Supreme. Enlightening to the soul, Expanding hearts and minds, Extending a will that is free, Created to stand up and do more than just survive. Yes, the meek shall inherit the earth, But not by turning eyes from the blind, As they pounce and plunder, Putting down and shutting out, Igniting fires that are not Divine. What is True, what is Just, Brings together and raises up, Working things out to what is best. These are the tests of our times. Never mind what’s yours, what’s mine. What is True, what is Just, Beckons one and all. It shall not shrink… it shall not sink. These are the tests of our times.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Mt 10:39
Upon first sight a threat, A battle to be had, A thing to put to rest. Yet, drawing closer A picture to behold. Golden, like the rule, If only it were practiced. So many points to reflect upon, Held together at the center And spreading out, As if to say, I have so many ways, I am full of life, But still have room to grow. Here for now, as if forever, as I am, But please know better, All is ever changing. Working toward the air, Poetry in motion, To be blown about, And all around, Making waves, Albeit gentle, From one life to another. Eternal presence, Dwelling for the masses, Extending hope And willing for your freedom. Not to be distorted, Or held hostage for your needs, But rather carried with great mercy, And my love, The example of compassion.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Psalm 23:1
The first reading for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time speaks of helping those in need as the way to overcome darkness. The Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, “If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.” (Is 58:9b-10). Perhaps this can be seen as an invitation to greater unity through the exercise of mercy and compassion. Think about a time when you were shown mercy and compassion. What was that experience like? How did it impact you? Oftentimes, in showing mercy and compassion, a greater sense of unity is born and the light within each of us shines brighter with Life, making the darkness in the world, what it really is, “less than.”
In the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “…my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:4-5). It’s human nature to want to understand and to make logical conclusions. It’s just the way we are. However, when the determination to meet this need to know or to make sense of happenings becomes more driven by human motivation, the results tend to run narrow, and create vision like that of being in a tunnel. It is then, that our understanding becomes warped and more of an obstacle than an aid to seeing the “greater than” that exists in each situation. Instead, it leads to a hardening of both one’s mind and heart, and an approach that pulls one away from living with authenticity and integrity and making choices in the light of truth and justice.
In the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, we read, “… I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer 31:33).
In striving to make choices that are truly beneficial—ones that embrace love, peace, and justice for oneself as well as others—balance is necessary, and the starting place for that is in one’s heart. It is only in our hearts that we can begin to understand in a way that will lead us to what is best. It is only in our hearts that Jesus, the light of the world, shows us the way that is truly just. And it is only through our hearts that our motivation becomes purer, our minds move toward a broader way of being, and we can genuinely shine before others, giving glory to God (Mt 5:16).
So, when I can’t understand, show indifference or disdain, begin to make assumptions, can’t give the benefit of the doubt, and can’t wrap my head around something, perhaps it’s because, first, I need to be wrapping my heart around it.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright; they are gracious and merciful and just. Well for them who are gracious and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. – Psalm 112:4-5
The readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time extend an opportunity to think about one’s relationship with Jesus and reflect on how justice and perseverance come into play. In the first reading (Mal 3:19-20a), we read the phrase, “the sun of justice with its healing rays.” How have you experienced the healing rays of justice? In what ways do you impart the fruits of that healing in your daily life?
In the responsorial psalm (Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9), we read:
Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy, Before the Lord who comes, who comes to govern the earth, To govern the world with justice and the peoples with fairness. – Psalm 98:8-9
Envision something that recently brought you joy and excitement. How did it impact the people and the environment around you? Was everyone happy? Was anyone affected in a way that was not beneficial? Where do sense Jesus was in this situation?
Now, let’s take a step back. Consider this: What is your understanding and experience of justice and fairness? Can you think of some examples of the two? Do they include situations where there may be no personal benefit involved? How is your understanding and application of justice and fairness influenced by the example of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, and the many parables he told?
In the second reading (2Thes 3:7-12), St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of how he, Silvanus, and Timothy have behaved and urges them to do likewise.
Brothers and sisters: You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. – 2Thes 3:7-12
As you contemplate St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians calling on them to focus on their work and to persevere in faith so as not to become idle and then “disorderly,” by getting caught up or interfering in the business of others, what strikes you most? With the current state of many things in the world, what insight(s) can you draw from this passage? In what ways do you experience Jesus in the places that have been capturing your focus these days?
Looking to the Gospel passage (Lk 21:5-19 included below), Jesus speaks of what’s to come, understood as the end of days. He essentially tells those who are listening, do not fall prey to being distracted by the signs and chaos around you, and do not be worried about how to respond or react, but rather, stay focused on me, and I will help you to know what to say… what to do. The passage closes with Jesus saying, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” How do you know the difference between being driven by the perseverance of faith in Jesus and being driven by your own sheer will masked as perseverance of faith in Jesus?
The Gospel verses taken together, tell us that the answers are not predetermined or black and white, but are all encompassing, pure, and speak to the uniqueness of each moment that can often escape the human mind and heart. Jesus, through his abundant love and wisdom, knows the importance, and all the implications of each moment, far better than anyone else could ever know. So, when we stay focused on Jesus with a desire to follow him, we can overcome any obstacles in ways that imitate the example of Jesus and honor the glory of God. And in doing so, we receive the grace we need to meet each moment.
What’s it like to envision justice and perseverance of faith in Jesus as a call of discipleship to surrender to Jesus in each moment, remembering his example, no matter what the moment holds, with a willingness to evolve, allowing room for movement? How might this influence the things you celebrate, and the things you don’t?
“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” – Lk 21:5-19
Oh no! Not again, again. Utter outrage is not enough. The bottom line if not obvious, is this, There are no excuses, There are no good reasons, There is no lower we can go, Beyond bottom is where we already are.
Over and over, we say no more, But here we are, again, and again, More than once more, By many more. As if it’s never enough.
Too much! More than enough already. Violence begets violence, But I’m not violent, One might say, But if we’re being honest, Aren’t we all, In some way?
Thinking carefully, Competition here and there, Competition everywhere. Through the years, Things get turned upside down, Words get mixed, Intentions sway, Power plays, Hands shake, All as if nobody is the wiser.
Enough already! Place the value in what’s valuable! Get over self-inflation, Turn right side up, and Come back down to earth. Look reality in the face, And address it wholeheartedly. Join each other as One nation.
Stop the violence, Stop it now. No more loss. None! Not any! It ought to be common sense. That’s what ought to be automatic.
Consider communicating (and re-communicating) to elected officials concerns and wishes regarding gun control and reform to laws, and exercise the right to vote to put people in office who will work to address gun violence more effectively. Pray, because prayer never hurts, and can only help. In addition, the following is a short list of organizations working to increase awareness and stop gun violence.
HopeThatFloats 
You must be logged in to post a comment.