THEME: CHRIST IS THE ONLY SOURCE AND MODEL OF TRUE JUSTICE AND PEACE IN THE WORLD
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10/ Romans 15:4-9/ Matthew 3:1-12
2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A (2025)
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In a world where injustice, violence, and conflict seem all too common, today’s readings remind us that Christ alone is the source, hope, and model of true justice and lasting peace.
In the readings, we see that the coming of Christ is not just an event that happened 2,000 years ago—it is a continual invitation to experience His transformative justice and peace in our lives and in the world today. We are invited to prepare our hearts and lives to welcome Him, to accept His vision for the world, and to model our lives after the example He gives us.
1.0 The Anointed Saviour as Source of Justice and Peace in Isaiah 11
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a shoot coming forth from the stump of Jesse, the father of King David (cf. Isaiah 11:1-10). This is a reference to the Messiah (Christ) who will be a king from David’s line, but one who is not like the kings of the earth. He will be empowered by the Spirit of the Lord and will rule with wisdom, justice, and peace.
Isaiah’s words point to the universal peace that Christ will bring—peace not only between human beings, but peace between humanity and the natural world (the wolf, lamb, etc.). This is the hope for Israel and for all humanity: the promise that Christ will establish a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness.
2.0 Isaiah’s Description of the Promised Justice and Peace
Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 11 is vivid and rich with imagery, describing a world reminiscence of the days of Adam before his fall, and under the Lordship of Christ. Let’s reflect on these images, because they reveal the depth and significance of Christ’s justice and peace.
- The Wolf and the Lamb Will Lie Down Together … (Isaiah 11:6)
The first striking image is of the wolf and the lamb lying down together, the leopard with the kid, and the calf and lion grazing together. Such perfect peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of a new harmony, where even natural enemies live in peace. This is the peace of Christ—it overcomes every form of division, whether between nations, individuals, or even within ourselves. In a world where conflict, hatred, and division are rampant, Christ promises a new order where we will be united in love and justice. - A Child Shall Lead Them (Isaiah 11:6)
The imagery of a child leading the animals conveys the idea that Christ will be a humble king, one who will not rule through violence or oppression but with a gentle, compassionate spirit. This humility is central to Christ’s justice and peace. In a world often ruled by power and force, Christ leads by serving, showing us that true greatness comes through humility and self-giving love. - The Earth Shall Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9)
The final image is of the earth being filled with the knowledge of the Lord. This is the promise that when Christ reigns, His justice and peace will be rooted in the truth and wisdom of God. Christ’s reign will be based not on human agendas but on divine wisdom—the truth that brings about true peace.
These images in Isaiah invite us to see justice and peace not as abstract concepts but as transformative realities that can shape our lives and our world when we allow Christ to reign in our hearts.
3.0 Why Israel of Old Missed the Promised Justice and Peace; and the Lesson for Our World Today
As we reflect on the coming of the Christ in Isaiah, we must also recognize that the Israel of old often missed the promise of true justice and peace. Though they waited for a Messiah who would bring political liberation and military victory, they did not always understand that Christ’s justice would be different from their expectations. They wanted a warrior-king, but Christ came as a humble servant, one who would conquer sin, death, and injustice through love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice.
Ironically, almost 2,800 years since Isaiah’s prophecy and over 2,000 years after the birth of the Prince of Peace in Bethlehem, a devastating war is raging on in Israel. This greatly highlights the fact that our world today often misses the justice and peace of Christ because we expect it to come through force, violence, or political solutions alone. On the contrary, only the presence of God’s justice can bring us true peace. His justice calls us to live in right relationship with Him and with one another. It is about turning away from hatred, selfishness, pride, and division, and embracing love, humility, justice, and mercy.
4.0 How Today’s World Can Find Justice and Peace in Christ
Christ is the only source of this justice and peace. However, receiving this gift requires repentance and the acceptance of Christ into our lives.
- Repentance (Matthew 3:1-12)
In the Gospel today, John the Baptist calls the people to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. True justice and peace begin with personal conversion—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. John’s call to repentance is a call to remove the obstacles that prevent us from experiencing the peace of Christ. In our own lives, we must examine how we contribute to division, selfishness, and injustice, and repent of those attitudes and behaviours. - Acceptance of Christ
When we accept Christ, we invite His justice and peace to reign in our hearts. This requires a willingness to live according to the values of God’s Kingdom—values of humility, mercy, forgiveness, and love.
5.0 Modeling Christ’s Justice and Peace under the Inspiration of the Spirit
Isaiah describes Christ as one who will be anointed with the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). It is through the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live lives that reflect the justice and peace of Christ.
- Wisdom and Understanding
The Spirit gives us the wisdom to see things as God sees them and the understanding to apply that wisdom in our daily lives. We are called to be wise in our decisions, knowing that true justice is rooted in the truth of God’s Word. - Counsel and Fortitude
The Spirit provides counsel to guide us in our choices and fortitude to stand firm in the face of temptation and persecution. As we work for justice in the world, we must be brave and steadfast in our commitment to God’s will. - Knowledge and Fear of the Lord
The Spirit leads us to a deeper knowledge of God and to a holy reverence for His power and authority. When we fear the Lord, we act in ways that honour God and promote the well-being of others. This is the foundation of true peace.
Conclusion
As we continue our Advent journey, let us remember that Christ is the only source of true justice and peace. He is the anointed Saviour, the Prince of Peace, who calls us to prepare the way for His reign in our hearts and in our world. But for that to happen, we must repent, accept Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to live as His true disciples.
May this Advent be a time of inner transformation, as we open our hearts to the justice and peace that only Christ can give. May we model our lives after His example of humility, mercy, and love, and may we work together to bring about His Kingdom of peace here on earth.
Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
