An Advent Thought!

One of the most read writers for the Christmas Season is Henri J. M Nouwen.  I came across a reflection he wrote in one of his books, Lifesigns, and wish to share it here.  It really ties the mission of Christ to the movement toward Social Justice and Love. It is preceded by:

 Psalm 72:11-12

May All Kings fall down before Him,

All Nations give Him Service.

For He delivers the needy when they call,

the poor and those who have no helper.

We must develop a global spirituality in which the demands of the Gospel guide not only the behavior of individuals but of nations as well.  Many will consider this naive.  They are glad to accept the teachings of Jesus for their personal and family lives, but when it comes to international affairs the consider these same teachings unrealistic and utopian.  Yet, Jesus sent out his apostles to make disciples not just of individual people but of all the nations, and to teach these nations to observe his commands (Matthew 28:19-20).  At the last day, Jesus will call these same nations before his throne and raise the critical question: "What have you done for the least of Mine"? (Matthew 25:31-46).  The life of discipleship goes far beyond individual piety or communal loyalty.  The whole world is to be converted!  Nations, not just individual people, are called to leave the house of fear -- where suspicion, hatred, and war rule -- and enter the house of Love, where reconciliation, healing, and peace can reign.  Lifesigns

As I transcribe these thoughts above, some others have come to mind.  However I value these so much I would like to just reflect on them for a bit and I would like to comment some more from an Emerging viewpoint tomorrow.  Pax Christi!  RV