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Second Sunday of Advent

Readings of the Day
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Advent is relentless about drawing us back to joy. 

A few days ago, I was talking with my colleagues about the balance
between being angry about injustice and holding on to hope.  I
mentioned that it sounds like the Kingdom of God, in its
"already and not yet" state.  We see injustice all
around, from racial disparities in health care, to the lack of
protections for workers (like heat safety and paid sick days).
 It reminds me of the Israelites being led away into exile in the
first reading.  However, that's not the end of the
story.  The exiled powerless people return in glory, "with
God's mercy and justice for company."  Similarly, we can
collaborate with God in building a better, more just world.

We are called to see the grace of God around us and celebrate
it.  We are also called to recognize the world's
shortcomings, and that we have a role in bringing about God's
kingdom.  Working in the field of justice means it's easy to get
pulled down by hopelessness and see our actions as futile.  Sure,
I can recycle, but that won't stop the power plants from burning
thousands of tons of coal.  Sure, I can vote, but the people who
are elected may well have policies that hurt people I care
about.  Sure, I can write a letter, but that won't really
influence the legislation.  Or, if you're John the Baptist,
"sure, I can preach repentance in the desert, but that
doesn't mean anyone will listen."

It's true that these systems are beyond individual agency, but
collectively we really can make change when we decide that it's
possible.  When we work together with people of faith and good
will to prioritize justice, the kingdom of God is possible.  In
this season of Advent, we choose to believe that God joins in on our
work and makes it meaningful.  That together, we can work toward
justice on a grand scale.

In the midst of the macro-level injustices happening around the world,
it's good to remember that God is with us.  God has done
great things for us, as the psalm points out.  Even in the
desert, we are filled with joy.

Peace and joy.

Sheila Herlihy is a Secular Franciscan who serves as Faith Organizer
at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.



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