National Gallery of Art. Leaf from a Choir Book (Antiphonary) 1450
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1
Matthew 11:16-19
We anticipate good things and bad things. In our complicated, troubled world, anticipation, sadly, harkens the latter. Wars, actual or threatened, exist in almost every hemisphere. Treaties, deals and ceasefires are broken within days. Leaders mislead people for personal, political and financial gain or for revenge. Violence abounds everywhere, from battlefield countries to our very own streets. Global warming devastates this planet, as evidenced by fires, floods, earthquakes and vast temperature swings. We do not feel safe.
Have we been following “the advice of the wicked” and not governed our lives with “righteous deeds” (Psalm 1)? Have we not “paid attention to his commands” of “what is best for you” as the Lord declares in Isaiah 48? “Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds” (Matthew 11).
But I don’t believe that God is vengeful. God loves us and inspires us to do good works. I refuse to acknowledge that all people are bad and intent on destructive actions. I believe in “anticip-ACTION” — the hope of our next generation.
I remember the joyous anticipation of the birth of my Godson, a mere mortal compared to Jesus. I empathise with the joy Mary felt knowing that she would give birth to someone great who would change the world. I know that my Godson will be raised by parents who believe in “righteous deeds”, inclusivity, social justice, dignity for all, and following God’s Word. The voice in my head tells me, “In God we trust”.
Sue Ann Elite