“Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to lead them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox.
The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea.”Today, the winter solstice, is a celebration of light. It is the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere and of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. There have been festivals throughout history which mark this “triumph of the sun” since ancient times. Light and illumination are the focus of attention as the seasons give us hope for tomorrow.
It is no coincidence that this is the week of Christmas. We have been marking the days of Advent in anticipation of the miracle of renewed birth. This is our time of joy. The whole atmosphere is infused with joy. Once again we are given the opportunity to do the right thing in response to this light, illumination, hope and joy of Christmas.
How does Jesus appear to young people who die of AIDS, to the millions without employment and social dignity…when children are physically and sexually abused…when women continue in many cultures as subordinates…when ethnic slaughter goes on in Africa, Europe and Asia…when the Earth is ravaged by our excesses? How does light and joy come to these? Jesus, the light of the world comes in the guise of YOU. We have the renewed chance for reconciliation with those who suffer. It is our opening to offer relief to our brothers and sisters who experience material, emotional, social, moral and physical poverty.
How can I illuminate life for others? How can I bring joy, hope and light to the world?
