Advent Instrumental – by Don Coppo
Thursday, Day 5: The with-God life
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch. Isaiah 62:1
Thought: Good triumphs over evil. Julian of Norwich said it this way, “First the fall then the redemption from the fall and both are the mercy of God.” So,what good can come out of evil? Can God really emerge out of the sins of injustice, violation of human dignity, violence against the innocent, greed, misuse of power? How does Jesus emerge in a sin-sick world? What if you took your with-God awareness into every evil you face? Whether it be a natural disaster or evil done to innocent children… what could happen? What might happen in you?
Practice: Walk through this day attentive to the evil that affects our world. Pray during a newscast, stop for a homeless person, make a donation to care for those that are victims of poverty or violence. Allow the day to become mercy filled… letting God-with you triumph over evil.
Prayer: God of mercy, I open myself to the nearness of Jesus and His redemptive work at the cross for every evil I encounter. As I pray or intervene, I use my voice to bring forgiveness and love to invade apathy, hate and unbridled anger. I trust that my with-God life will bring the nearness of Jesus to extinguish the work of the evil one and transform the unfixables of this life. Lord, let me be an instrument of Your mercy. Amen.
Bluebook (Lectionary) Reading: Isaiah 62
©csloughrige2011 ©Advent Music-By Don Coppo