Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Prophets call insistently for justice and faithfulness in the present and point to the future consequences of injustice. The prophet, Isaiah, speaks again of peace, a peace so profound that not only nations but of all creation ceases to engage in war and violence.
“When I listen to the sounds of greed, violence, rape, torture, murder, and indiscriminate destruction, I hear a long, sustained cry coming from all the corners of the world. It is the cry of a deeply wounded humanity that no longer knows a safe dwelling place but wanders around the planet in a desperate search for love and comfort. Needs that are anchored in wounds cannot be explained simply. Even though we often point an accusing finger at someone whom we consider the cause of our problem and even though we often make ourselves believe that things could have been different if only that someone had done or said something differently, we are part of a chain of wounds and needs that reach far beyond our memories and aspirations…The vicious repetition of wounds and needs creates the milieu of those who hate peace.” - Henri Nouwen
Justice and peace don’t arrive like Christmas cards in the mail. As God’s people we are called to create justice, to be peace makers. What gifts to do you bring to that task? Are you quick to notice injustice? Are you able to give voice to an injustice? Do you see bridges that cross conflict to peace?
Prophets call insistently for justice and faithfulness in the present and point to the future consequences of injustice. The prophet, Isaiah, speaks again of peace, a peace so profound that not only nations but of all creation ceases to engage in war and violence.
“When I listen to the sounds of greed, violence, rape, torture, murder, and indiscriminate destruction, I hear a long, sustained cry coming from all the corners of the world. It is the cry of a deeply wounded humanity that no longer knows a safe dwelling place but wanders around the planet in a desperate search for love and comfort. Needs that are anchored in wounds cannot be explained simply. Even though we often point an accusing finger at someone whom we consider the cause of our problem and even though we often make ourselves believe that things could have been different if only that someone had done or said something differently, we are part of a chain of wounds and needs that reach far beyond our memories and aspirations…The vicious repetition of wounds and needs creates the milieu of those who hate peace.” - Henri Nouwen
Justice and peace don’t arrive like Christmas cards in the mail. As God’s people we are called to create justice, to be peace makers. What gifts to do you bring to that task? Are you quick to notice injustice? Are you able to give voice to an injustice? Do you see bridges that cross conflict to peace?
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