First Monday in Advent

Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122

We need Isaiah's words all the time, but in this time I especially ache with the desire for reconciliation.  The dream of peace, of all people streaming to the Divine love, is in stark contrast to our contemporary world.  Can we dare to hope?  Can we break through the legacy of racial hatred and suspicion in the U.S.?  Can we end the ruthless killing and torture and enslavement that runs across the globe?  Can Jerusalem ever be a source of peace and respect?

In this season of anticipation, we must do more than wait for others to act.  We must be part of what Marcus Borg has called "participatory eschatology," in which we are part of the fulfillment of God's dream of shalom.  We must begin.

What can you do?  You can pray for real peace, for mutual understanding and forbearance.  You can tell others you're doing this, and invite them to join you.  You can donate to Episcopal Peace Fellowship or other groups devoted to peace, and give those donations as gifts to those you love.  You can form a peace and justice committee in your church.  You can volunteer at a domestic violence shelter.  You can let others have your parking space at the mall.  You can vote.  You can even buy gifts: http://www.fromwartopeace.com sells jewelry made from disarmed nuclear weapons.

Come, let us go up to Ferguson, to Baghdad, to Kabul, to Moscow, as to the house of our God, that we may learn God's ways and walk in her paths.  Let us go to Jerusalem, together, to live out God's dream.  Let us make our towns and cities a new Jerusalem, the city of peace.