Scripture promises a day when peace and right relationship will flourish
by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
“The day is coming ….”
Around 400 BCE the prophet Malachi proclaimed:
- … Lo, the day is coming …
- … the day that is coming …
And in the first century AD the Son of Man, Jesus Christ spoke:
- … the days will come when ….
Not the day of a birth at the end of a difficult pregnancy.
Not the day of celebration of a milestone personal event.
Not the first day of a dream job.
Not the day that an armistice between warring factions is finally signed.
Not the day when retribution is leveled against one’s enemies.
Not the day of a catastrophic event.
Not even the consummation of the world!
“But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun (Son) of (J)ustice with its healing rays.” Malachi 4:2
The day is coming when …
Peace and justice reign on Earth.
In every land, all people live with a generous sufficiency.
The vulnerable widows and orphans receive justice.
Homeless individuals and families receive shelter.
Hearts renounce hatred and restore right relationships.
The fruits of the Earth are equitably distributed.
The persecuted persevere in upholding truth and goodness.
Harmony and balance are restored on our living planet Earth.
With hope in our hearts we act now, that the “day of the Lord” (who is the Son of Justice) with its healing rays will reign throughout the Earth! Amen!
The “day of the Lord” should not be reduced to a calendar event to be circled and forgotten. Whenever my heart truly opens to see the beauty of His creation, to speak for justice or to see Christ in the eyes of another person then Christ has broken through once again into a world which sorely needs His love and mercy.