December 11/Second Thursday of Advent
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.” ~ Matt 11.12
We are plagued, these days, by social division, profound political discord, and a violence of speech and action that is deeply disturbing. As we make our way forward in a churning world, nerves are rattled, inhibitions are loosened, and it sometimes seems that the violent in word or deed are going to prevail after all. So it was for Jesus: the context for this unsettling verse is the arrest and imprisonment of John the Baptist (soon to be violently executed), the unrelenting hostility of the principalities and powers towards Jesus, and his own impending and brutal death. As this tumultuous year draws to a close, we may wonder what we can possibly do to bring about peace. Jesus shows us: by loving (not cancelling) his enemies, forgiving (not seeking revenge upon) his offenders, consistently offering God’s mercy (and not a harsh vindictiveness) to a broken world. As Pope Francis observed, “Christ taught that the true battlefield, where violence and peace meet, is the human heart.” (He echoes Alexsandr Solzhenitsyn, who wrote in The Gulag Archipelago: “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either—but right through every human heart.”) To counter violence, we must start with ourselves, our immediate surroundings, our everyday actions and attitudes. This might mean practicing patience, respect, and forgiveness in family life — not always an easy task! — or striving to get along with a difficult neighbor, or working to find common ground with those who have different perspectives. In short, we can try to reach beyond provocation to understanding. As we witness, and experience, the violence that threatens to engulf the world and bear the kingdom of God away, let us do everything in our power to bring about the triumph of peace.
God of wisdom and grace, Help me scatter the seeds of peace wherever I go today. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm
To hear the King’s College Chapel Choir sing William Byrd’s “Beati Mundo Corde,” click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5HtWPvCdOs
