Sunday December 6, 2020
The theme for the Second Sunday of Advent is designated as peace, something that seems so elusive in today’s world. Having gone through a contentious and divisive election, even after it’s over, there does not seem to be much peace. Opposing sides hardly spoke to each other before the election and in many cases they still aren’t speaking.
American democracy relies on a peaceful transition of leadership and I hope and pray that we will have it on January 20. What really counts now is that the so-called “winners” do not exclude the “losers.” Peace means healing and we need to heal.
Simply designating everyone on the other side of where we are as either socialists or racists doesn’t heal anything. Peaceful healing means listening and talking, not shouting and turning away. Peaceful healing also means maintaining moral clarity.
Prayer for the Day
Architect of grace, we know our community is broken,
And we ask for your promise of healing with one another;
Framer of our existence, be with us as we strive to rebuilt
The trust we once had in each other and our Nation.
Sustainer of the weary, help us to heal and bring your peace
So that we may become your instruments of justice and mercy.
In the name of him who opens us to healing peace
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
It is the acid test of nonviolence that ... there is no rancor left behind, and in the end, the enemies are converted into friends.
- Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
I hope for your salvation, O Lord as I fulfill your commandments.
I observed your precepts, for I love them exceedingly.
Let my song of prayer come before you, Lord; as befits your word, give me insight.
- Psalm 119: 165-169