Second Sunday of Advent
Today’s readings give us hope of a future where Christ’s peace reigns over all the earth. “The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid…” (Is 11:6). “There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord as water covers the sea (Is 11:9). In our work with agencies and parishes, we more often see pain experienced by God’s people rather than the joy and peace. We hear stories of job loss, family separation, domestic violence, homelessness and illness. We see despair, loneliness and pain in the faces of those who walk through our doors. It can be tempting for us too to despair – to view the world as a harsh, unfair place that has been unkind to many of our neighbors. Yet we have many reasons to rejoice! We have hope of that future promised to us in today’s first reading, and in many ways, God allows us to see glimpses of that future through our daily work serving those entrusted to our care. We have the privilege of walking with our clients as they recover from substance abuse, gain lawful status in our country, and celebrate the gift of life with a new baby. We offer them the hope of a new day when justice and peace will flourish forever. This Advent, let us strengthen our resolve to build God’s kingdom on earth and as we wait with joyful anticipation for the coming of Christ, our King.
Allison Cavazos is the Associate Director of Parish Relations for Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin.
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