1st Week of Advent
He shall judge the poor with justice. (Isaiah 11:4)
Maybe there should be a “scary prayers” section in devotional books. It would include Jesus’ words to the Father, “Not my will but yours” (Luke 22:42) and the prayer of St. Ignatius: “Take, O Lord, and receive all my memory …” There would be fill-in-the-blank prayers like “Lord, teach me patience [or your virtue of choice].” And there would be the Advent refrain: “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Did you raise an eyebrow at that last suggestion? Should this prayer make you quake? Yes, because it asks for the whole Jesus, not just the baby but the Lord who comes to establish justice. You can’t stay at the Christmas crèche in peaceful, private contemplation of God’s love. You also have to respond to that love (here’s the scary part) by taking up God’s call for justice and peace.
“Social justice” is what the prophets and psalmists meant when they paired the Hebrew words for “judgment” and “justice” (Isaiah 11:4; Psalm 72:2). It’s almost like a mathematical formula: judgment plus justice equals social justice. This consistent, systematic care for people in need is what the Messiah-King was going to bring about.
As Christians we believe that this King has come! So Advent is a good time to examine how much we share Jesus’ concern for the poor and weak. It’s also a good time to deepen our understanding of the Church’s teachings on social justice. For a good starting point, see sections 1928–1938 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Look at your relationships: in your family, at work, in your religious order, in your classroom and neighborhood, and whatever groups you belong to. Are you treating everyone with honor, especially those who tend to get overlooked? Consider your broader role as a citizen with a vote. Do you stay informed and work toward a society that improves the situation of people who are homeless, frail, in the womb, or otherwise vulnerable? It may be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even scary to stand up for these neglected ones. Although it may cost us something, it also brings great blessings. For when we care for them, we are also caring for Jesus in disguise.
“Come, Lord Jesus! Give me the wisdom and courage to build your kingdom and work for your justice.”
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24
Daily Marriage Tip for December 2, 2014:
Have you blessed your Advent wreath yet? There is a simple prayer service to do at home available on the USCCB website, www.usccb.org: search for “Advent.”