PRUNING HOOKS It’s that time of year again when we look back at the past and plan ahead for the future. Advent season is here to remind us that it will be Christmas soon; the old year is gone and the new is here. The prophet Isaiah uses the image of a “pruning hook”, an instrument used by Israelite farmers to cultivate the land and feed the people to remind us about peace and development, not war and discord: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. One nation shall not raise the swords against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Isiah 2: 4). At the time of Isiah’s prophecy, his country the kingdom of Judah was preparing for war. Jerusalem the capital city was in danger of being destroyed, yet Isiah saw a bright future. Jerusalem far from being destroyed would be the center of the world and the starting point of movement towards universal peace (Is. 2: 1-5). Why does Isaiah see hope, where all others see war? Because the prophet had that audacity of hope, that firm belief that things will be better and so awakens the people to turn their spears of war into pruning hooks of peace through hard work. That’s the “good news” this season (of advent) brings you. The year no doubt has been full of “wars” for some. They threatened, quarreled and even fought, but it’s time to turn all those war instruments into pruning hooks, otherwise you are not ready for the season. Be careful, however, because this is not a walk-over. Jesus again, uses familiar images, not necessarily to cause fear, terror or anguish in our minds, but to remind us that we must be VIGILANT if we must claim that peace he offers us this season (Matt. 24: 37-44). In colloquial language we say “shine your eye”. In Noah’s days, Jesus said there were two kinds of people: those who failed to shine their eyes, but were concerned with enjoying themselves alone (reminds me of Carnival) and those who were vigilant, who foresaw the coming of the flood, heeded God’s warning and became the fathers of a new humanity (vs. 37-39). Some were working in the fields and grinding flour (Vs. 40-41), and not quite awake to prevent the Burglar (v. 43). Yes, true peace is won at a high price and we must stand ready to claim it because Jesus offers it to us at a platter of gold at this special season of advent.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:13:22 +0000
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