[The Lord] 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 2:4 nrsv)

Alfred Nobel died on December 10, 1896. During his life, he worked to develop and perfect dynamite—first to be used in the construction industry and then for purposes related to weaponry and war. His discoveries changed our human capabilities for destruction.

But Alfred saw and knew the dangers related to his discoveries. One of his long-time friends was a peace activist who kept Alfred grounded in the need to pursue peace in the face of such destructive powers.

Upon his death, Alfred’s last will and testament provided a means for peace to be pursued. He left his vast amount of wealth to support those in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The Nobel prizes in these areas are a legacy to peaceful pursuits in the sciences and the arts.

During this season of Advent, we pray fervently that the Prince of Peace will come quickly and bring an end to all war and violence. We work for those causes that promote justice and peace through all the earth. We live as peace-makers in our homes, our neighborhoods and our world.

Let us pray: Come, Prince of Peace, come into our hearts,
into our homes and into our world. Amen

Contributed by Tracie
Monday December 10, 2012
Liturgical Year C: Week 2
Liturgical Color: Blue
Sunday Gospel reading: Advent2
Second Sunday of Advent