Isaiah 65:16b-25: Renewal
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
For the hardships of the past shall be forgotten . . . none shall hurt or destroy . . .
We have been following a constant theme lately of rebirth, renovation, second chances and renewal. Perhaps there are former enemies standing outside our hearts . . . waiting for the perfect moment to re-enter.
We never know how our words, gestures and actions will affect others or even ourselves. It is always difficult to weigh out prudence, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion without moving into the unhealthy territories of inconsistency, leniency and abuse. We want to build bridges to our former enemies, not give in to any damaging demands. We want to empower our former foes and call them to conversion rather than enable them. In all of this we must remember, as we have so recently seen in the Noontimes, that God is in charge. Our job is to make the petitions, to pray intercessory prayers, and to study The Word as we find him in scripture so that we will know what to say when former enemies come calling.
Sometimes we are the betrayer; sometimes we are the betrayed. In both cases it is the Holy Spirit who brings us the gifts to discern Christ’s movement in our lives. Working in and through our minds and bodies, Jesus tells us the words to say when we must go to someone we have wronged to make amends. Jesus also tells us the words with which to reply when one who at one time betrayed us now sits at beside us asking for mercy.
Through daily prayer, scripture study, and active witnessing we receive in abundance the wisdom we will need when former enemies show up on our doorstep. When we pray in Christ, meditate on The Word, and witness with Christ, we form solidarity with him and with the rest of the faithful members of his Mystical Body that is stronger than any deceit or evil. These holy ones unite in legions to buoy one another up, to carry one another over, to bring one another through.
When it is time for the New Creation, we will need to know how to act and what to say to those with whom we find ourselves seated at Christ’s table. Today is a good time to begin our rehearsal in healthy fence mending through, with and in Christ.
Written on November 10, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
Image from: http://www.rubiconbridge.co.uk/bitc.htm
The Noontimes 