To the Editor,
November 30 marked the start of Advent and the new Church liturgical year. The third phrase in the Lord’s Prayer is, “May your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” While many people think of Advent as a countdown to Christmas Day and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, it frames the purpose for the birth of Jesus. He was born to advance the fulfilment of that line in the prayer, the fulfillment of the reign of heaven being fully visible and present in the world. The themes of the four Sundays in Advent are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The heart of the message given by Jesus is that God (the Holy Mystery) loves everyone and seeks good lives for everyone. Hope is not wishing; it is the active pursuit of the reign of heaven in spite of the many obstacles to the fulfillment of that reign. Peace includes freedom from violence, hunger, poverty, hate, prejudice, loss of dignity, isolation, and more. Joy flows from having an accepted place in society, roles with creativity, giving and sharing, connections, beauty, and more. Love is the mutual willingness of all to make sacrifices for each other’s well being. This kind of world was the reason for the birth of Jesus.
Unfortunately, some religious people believe it included hating or despising people who are different or make them uncomfortable or are obstacles to getting what they want.
Fortunately, many people see this season as a time for giving for the sake of others. Many people will donate more to charities in December than they donate the rest of the year. People will volunteer to help programs that help people in need. We will work harder at being kind to each other and more willing to notice what is good in our lives. Feelings of gratitude will grow the peace that is within us, improving our mental and physical health. For a little while each year, there are more signs of God’s will being done on earth. Bad stuff still happens, but we get a little closer to the reign of heaven. It may be another 2,000 years or more before the promise expressed through Jesus is fulfilled, but it is coming. May we see each other as siblings in the human family, park our fears that block love, and grow in hope for ourselves and others.
Sincerely,
Jim Kenney
