For all of today’s readings: Click on today’s date at http://www.usccb.org/bible/
Pay it forward
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
First Week of Advent
Isaiah 26:1-3
We have a strong city: he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith, a nation of firm purpose.
Imagine that the tables are turned upside down, and the Nazi War Machine overtook the USA in 1942 or so. Wanna get away?
Where could we go? Who would have us? Which of the righteous nations of God would open their doors to millions of desperate Americans?
How could we get there, even if the doors were open? Probably walk. Cross the ocean in dangerous, less-than-seaworthy ships. Anything, anyhow, just to get away.
Better to die than be held oppressed and captive, tortured, watching children turn toward the powers that be and away from their parents. Or have children pulled from our arms, to be led like lambs to slaughter. No!
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven. But only those who do the will of my Father in heaven.”
Ever heard of the scarlet pimpernel of the Vatican? Ignoring Nazi threats and evading capture, this Irish Jesuit saved many thousands of people and inspired others in the Vatican to do even more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_O%27Flaherty
He did not wait for permission from his superiors.
Pope Francis invites the free people of the world to care for Syrian refugees in their homes.
Isaiah continues, “Trust in the Lord forever! He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.”
We protect our privilege only at our peril. God’s mercy endures forever.
Lord, put wings on our deep desire to be good, to give, to help others. Free us from the fear of others that hurls us down into the dust, quicksand that sucks out our lives. We have no business in those dark places. All who are born want to fly and see the sun. We can lift each other up only as you show us the way.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1399
