Thursday of the First Week of Advent
(Isaiah
26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27)
Many think
of Costa Rica as “a nation that is just.”
This small Central American country has high literacy and health
indices. Its income equality makes it enviable
to neighboring countries. Violent crime
is minimal. It has no army to menace its
people. Despite some problems Costa Rica may exemplify the nation described in
today’s first reading.
Isaiah is
having a vision of the end of time.
First, he describes the destruction of the wicked. Then he writes of the
blessings God reserves for those who do his will. In the passage today he contrasts the
destinies of a good and of a wicked society.
The good one will live in peace.
The evil one will be annihilated.
The gospel
reiterates this lesson. Jesus tells his
disciples that access to God’s Kingdom requires more than prayers. People must put into practice the lessons he
has taught. He does not speak of just
nations but just individuals. “’Everyone who listens to these words of mine,’”
he says. But let us be certain: a nation
that upholds social justice will produce good people.
