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Reflection on the Second Sunday of Advent

Posted on December 8, 2024, by Kathy Wright SL

When I first read these readings several weeks ago, I had a variety of wonderful thoughts related to being wrapped in God’s cloak of justice, continuing the good work that God has begun in each of us and in Loretto, increasing in love and discerning what is truly of value.

Then I began to hear more about Christian Zionism in the last week or so, and I needed to understand it better. Christian Zionists are connected to and supportive of the Jewish people as part of God’s plan. They believe, among other things, that the full restoration of the Jewish state or homeland is a prerequisite to the second coming of Christ. I believe that includes Gaza and the West Bank. “Contemporary Christian Zionists believe that Israel’s creation in 1948, its expansion in 1967, and its flourishing are all evidence that God continues to have a special relationship with the Jewish people. Consequently, Christian Zionists assert that it is their duty as Christians to support and protect Israel, which they see as a logical extension of their evangelical identity. This support takes the form of political lobbying and providing financial support through donations, tourism, other activities in the United States and Israel.”

This religious and political set of beliefs in Christian Zionism is likely to become a part of the next U.S. administration given the appointments that the next president is making.

When I try to look at these readings through the eyes of a Christian Zionist, things become much more difficult. In the first reading from Baruch, it says, “Led away on foot by their enemies they left you: but God will bring them back to you, borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones. For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low,
and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God. The forests and every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God’s command; for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory,with his mercy and justice for company.”

I can imagine people seeing those who were killed and kidnapped on Oct.  7, 2023,  among those mentioned in that first line of Scripture and rightfully so. But I can also see this reading interpreted to include the destruction of Gaza, the West Bank and the Palestinians as part of God’s plan. 

What I cannot see in Christian Zionism is where the life and teachings of Jesus, the Christian Savior and Son of God, are included. How do we, as Christians throughout the world, support Israel’s right to existence and a homeland, without denying that other people, also God’s children, have a God-given right to existence and a homeland? How do we, as Christians, respect the worth and right of every human being as Jesus did? How do we work to be reconciled with our “enemy” or those who have been considered outcasts, untouchables or unsaved?

We have to go back to the second reading and be reminded that “the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  We have to remain strong in our faith, our love of all God’s people and our trust that God will work through us to make a more peaceful kingdom here on Earth. We cannot spend our time in discouragement or doubt about God’s power even if we don’t see our own power in the present moment. We have to pray that our love and wisdom will increase, and we will continue to discern what is truly of value in terms of our time and our effort.

And the Gospel today continues to guide us and remind us that repentance and forgiveness are essential. Forgiveness on many levels is hard work, and we need to engage in it. Forgiveness and repentance have the power to heal hearts and relationships. We may need to forgive those we have judged harshly with good reason, even if they do not see any need to be forgiven. Sometimes I think my cat serves as a small reminder of that practice. There are so many days when he seems so difficult to please because I am not his full-time personal assistant and have no desire to be that. He is not sorry for his whining or disruptive behavior, and I conclude that I have to accept him as he is today and still try to love him. There are world leaders who seem so self-serving and abusive of power, and I must still pray for them, try not to despise them and believe that with God all things are possible. Maybe then, and only then, rough ways will be made smooth, and all will see the salvation of God in the form of a more just and peaceful Earth.

Kathy Wright SL

Kathy, a CPA, joined the Sisters of Loretto in 1986 and continued her service to a variety of non-profits (including Nerinx Hall and Loretto Academy) and Loretto with her financial skills. She has enjoyed serving on many committees, including the Investment Committee, Guatemala Sister Community Committee, Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Forum. Kathy lived and worked in Haiti, where she fell in love with the people there. She now resides in Florida.