God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more ... Isaiah 2:

When God's justice reigns on the earth, then there is no longer any need for a sword or a spear. Such things can be melted into tools and put to better use: growing food to feed the people. How far from our reality this vision seems. And yet, who would have imagined the God who judges between the nations and arbitrates for many peoples, who could have imagined this God being born as a baby in Palestine, an occupied land, a place filled with swords and spears. The prophet cannot even imagine what God can envision. That is a source for hope, even in a time such as this, a time given to learning war.

O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Betsy R.
Published Sunday November 28, 2004
Week 1 of Liturgical Year A