Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art
Isaiah 11: 1-10
Psalm 72: 1-8
Luke 10: 21-24
As we continue to plod through the world pandemic, today’s readings, especially Isaiah, bring us fresh hope for the future, just as it comforted the Jews in ancient times. The violence, racism and injustice that afflict our world, the lack of health care and medicines, and our fear and anxiety as we deal with the present unknown were probably also the norm in the world Isaiah knew.
Isaiah’s prophesy promises a righteous and faithful king who deals justly, with equity and is consulted by the surrounding nations…former enemies. The idyllic description of animals living together in peace, predator and prey lying down together, and even safety for a baby, mirrors life in Eden before the Fall.
Rather than being a promise of things to come, this is a blueprint for what we need to work toward to attain a world in which we can truthfully say, just as Jesus did, “The Kingdom of God has come near.”
This is obviously an enormous task, but we can’t (and don’t have to) accomplish it alone. Inspired by our youth who are tackling climate change, human rights advocates lobbying for fair and equal treatment for everyone, choose your passion and pray, work, advocate for what calls to you. Believe that, with God’s help, we can change our world.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Gail Holland
