"World Peace" has become the punch line in too many jokes, especially comedies about beauty pageants. You and I know that world peace is no laughing matter, even as it seems an impossible goal, a wild and crazy dream, even an oxymoron. As the picture tells us, world peace will mark the dawning of a new age.
Cosmic peace has been both the image and goal of God's creation from the very beginning. The prophet Isaiah speaks about this cosmic cessation of violence, retribution, competition, and imperialism.
Isaiah 2.4 "they shall beat their swords into plowshares"
Isaish11.6 "the wolf shall live with the lamb"
Isaiah 25.8 "'the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces."
Here in Syracuse I hear too many reports of violence and violent death. There are too many families torn apart by domestic violence. Workplace violence has become too common for anyone's health.
It is no wonder that in this Advent season, so many of us are quietly yearning for peace. But Isaiah's picture of cosmic harmony must wait for God. Until then, if you want peace, do justice. That is what we are called to do.
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