We are in the second week of Advent. Looking around the world near and far peace seems beyond our reach. The truth is, in the big picture peace has always been over humanity’s reach. War and violence have been dominant in our global history. This is why the Bible is filled with God’s promises of peace, and echoes God’s unfailing love for the whole of creation.

God continuously calls us to a holy way where the valleys are lifted up and the mountains are made low, a way where love and justice wins. Advent is the perfect time to remember that there is a holy way to be found. We can slow down, take a deep breath and look for those places or moments where we are reminded of God’s presence and actions in the world. When Baruch invited Jerusalem to “take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction and put on forever the beauty of the glory of God,” the invitation extends to all who seek to live on the holy highway.

We can make the decision to be defined by something other than sorrow and affliction. This doesn’t mean that we deny the sources of suffering or pretend that oppression doesn’t exist; it means that we actively pursue more than what is.

We stop excusing the fear and hatred spewed by politicians and look for ways to repair what is broken, tangible ways to end oppression with actions that promote justice. Putting on the beauty of God’s glory means that we also recognize God in every human being. If we can do this, we will not tolerate excuses that accept violence as a part of our society.

Today’s Gospel reading speaks to us about a time of preparation for the Lord. This is at the heart of our message even today. People still need forgiveness, and God still forgives.

Sometimes we are tempted to gloss over the reality of sin and to emphasize only forgiveness. To mention sin seems somehow unenlightened or judgmental. That, however, is faithful neither to the scriptures nor to people’s spiritual needs. People know that they are sinners. They are relieved when we deal seriously with their sins, because they can then believe that there is a possibility of forgiveness.

Let us pray for peace in our world and the gift of God’s forgiveness. Let us hope and pray that we may be able to share the joy of God’s kingdom. May he forgive us and those who turned their backs on him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, we pray that we may find the goodness of others. Amen.