~ “Slay the wicked.” “Crush the oppressor.” “Coming wrath.” “Unquenchable fire.” In today’s readings, Isaiah and John the Baptist use some strong language about God’s impending judgment and wrath. And, I gotta tell you, there’s a part of me that kinda likes it!
As you know, we are living in difficult times. And I for one would not mind seeing some hardcore divine judgment fall upon people who perpetrate evil in our world. I am tired of reading in the news about hungry children, corrupt politicians, war-torn countries, and corporate greed. I am angry that the strong and influential exploit the weak and unknown. I am appalled that people are denigrated and dehumanized because of the color of their skin, or their sexual orientation or identity, or their country of origin. And I am just so sad that basic decency and kindness seem to be in short supply, especially, but not exclusively, from those who lead us. How long, O Lord, until the oppressors are crushed and the wicked are slain?
However, contrary to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and my own deeply flawed heart, judgment and wrath are not the way of Jesus or the God he proclaimed. No, friends, through Jesus, we see that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). God overwhelms all of us with love that exceeds our ability to sin – that is mercy! It is not asked for or deserved, but freely and lavishly given. Judgment and wrath bring only sadness and death into our world, not life – and our God is one of abundant life. Mercy brings true justice and wholeness into our world.
What does this mean to us? As Catholics and as parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland, we can create a more inclusive Church and a more just society by welcoming God’s abundant mercy into our own hearts, and then by sharing that love with others, particularly with our fellow Catholics who may say disparaging things or espouse discriminatory policies against our fellow human beings. It is our own experience of undeserved mercy that compels us to generously extend mercy to others.
So, even though Advent is not so focused on sin and reconciliation as Lent is, it is still essential for all of us, no matter what time of year, to reflect on and celebrate God’s mercy. I often remember what Mother Teresa once said when a reporter asked, “What is wrong with the Catholic Church?”, and she simply replied, “I am”. Yes, I am what is wrong with the Church and our society and our culture. After all, I am a sinner. My thoughts are not always pure, and my life is not always perfect. I’m not just talking in general, I am talking about me, John Vien! And if I want to change our world, I must change myself, and that is the work of a lifetime. It is for you as well. So remember that God is merciful, even to you. I encourage you: take some time at the end of each day to make an examen, to think about your day, the choices you made, and how you can do better. Seek forgiveness from someone you have wronged. And make the Sacrament of Reconciliation a regular part of your life of faith.
Only when we are doing that difficult work on ourselves can we even begin to take others to task, and even when we do, we do so with gentleness, humility, compassion, and respect.
For example, if a politician denigrates someone from another nation, just to choose something random, of course, I think denouncing him as a bigot who hates is not consistent with what Jesus taught. Our culture encourages us to attack those who disagree with us, but angry words and vitriol will only magnify and perpetuate the mistrust and rancor in our world. Instead, perhaps we focus on building relationships – sharing our stories with those who disagree with us, making our views known, working for justice in our own sphere of influence. Our task, as followers of Jesus, is to build bridges rather than throw stones. Isaiah prophesies that the lion and the lamb will lie down together. If a a lion and a lamb can lie together, certainly we can speak and show kindness to someone different than us!
Our loving witness and patient invitation to dialogue will give others the opportunity to experience God’s mercy – and possibly change their hearts. We pursue justice by changing hearts through showing mercy in personal interactions, not through judgment and wrath.
There is power in mercy. As we continue our Advent preparations, let us reflect on how God’s “mercy triumphs over justice” in our own lives – and how we can show mercy to others. May the Eucharist we celebrate and share heal our hearts and change our world.