Prayers Advent Reflections

Tuesday

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1    
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Luke 10:21-24

"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them." (Isaiah 11:6)

What does it mean to build the Peaceable Kingdom? The anxieties of the season are many. As we prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the birth of the Christ child, it is easy to give in to the magical thinking that, if only we throw ourselves at every task and try ever harder, we can will a season of joy and peace into being.

The Kingdom of Peace does not come about due to individual labor, stress or sleepless nights. Rather, this excerpt from Isaiah tells us the wolf and the lamb lie together due to the power of the Spirit of the Lord. It comes when truth is spoken by "the rod of his mouth" and justice is administered. We cannot build peace alone.

Betsy Taylor, MS
Editor, Health Progress
Catholic Health Association

 

Pause

Think of a recent time when someone in your family or workplace modeled a quality of peace, calm or good judgment you wish to emulate. How can you carry that forward?

Pray

God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity - humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.