“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”

—Sister Michaela O’Connor

Sunday Scripture Reflection for December 20, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent

“Peace on earth.” We hear the words over and over during this holy season — in church, in songs, in Christmas cards and greetings. And especially peace in that holy land where much of our salvation history has taken place. Yet over the years, it would seem there has been very little peace on earth and in the Middle East. It seems that God wills peace on earth, but will not force peace down our throats. If any number of people, from Adam and Eve down to this present day, had lived by God’s Word, we could have peace on earth now. I vaguely recall reading a science fiction story about a visitor from another planet hearing our Christmas story and saying, “Oh, yes, Christ came to us, too, on our planet, and taught us the ways of peace, and we have prospered since his coming. What about you on Earth?” And we had to confess what we had done to him. Maybe one of these years we will begin to wise up and there will be peace on earth. We can hope. And that’s what this Christmas is all about — hope.