Читать книгу Liturgies from Below - UK Edition - Carvalhaes Claudio - Страница 39

For over two thousand years, Advent God, your blessings have been flowing. A river of grace and love and mercy has flowed through the desert of our lives, watering our souls, and satisfying our thirst. For two thousand years and more, we have recognized your Emmanuel presence, bringing light and life to your world. Many of us have experienced the miracle of rebirth and recreation and so once again, at this Advent season, we sing our thanksgiving anthem: “Joy to the world, our lord is come!”

But in the midst of our celebrations, Dear God, we have to admit that after two thousand years, the curse can still be found. Our lands are still infested with the thorns of injustice and unrighteousness. The briers of hatred and discrimination despoil our social and spiritual environment. In our frustration and irritation, we cry, “No more!”

Grant us the wisdom and the courage to make “no more” a reality. Even if the weeds and the wheat are to grow together, we pray for the boldness to keep on sowing good seed. We pray for the courage to confront the “enemy” with love and compassion until he or she changes from evil to good. In the meantime, healing God, we pray today for your children crying in the wilderness of oppression and dehumanization.

Help us to listen with you, as they cry, “No more!” and “Enough is enough!” Help us to share your concern for their suffering, and then empower us as we embark on a divine mission of renewal and transformation. Perhaps then our joy will be intensified this Advent season as we celebrate again the glories of your righteousness and the wonder of your love. We pray in the name of him who came and made his dwelling among us.

Amen.