December 9th Advent Reflection

Isaiah 11:6  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 “The wolf shall live with the lamb;

  The leopard shall lie down with the kid;

The calf and the lion will together,

  And a little child shall lead them.”

What would our world be like if this depiction of enemies or adversaries living  in harmony could actually occur?   This passage speaks volumes given the conflict in our world today, with the war in Ukraine, the Israeli/Palestinian situation, as well as many other conflicts taking place throughout the world and the division in our own country.    I often wonder why we see our differences as something to be feared rather than trying to understand each other, even if that means agreeing to disagree, but to do so with respect for one another.  The final verse “and a little child shall lead them” is poignant.  Children possess the innocence and curiosity that is often lost as we grow up.  Prejudice is taught  - often over several generations.  I wish we could all retain some of those qualities as we grow up.

Heavenly Father, help me to be open and understanding, and to work through conflicts with honesty and respect. Perhaps if all of humanity could do this, achieving peace would be possible.                JG