The Prophet Isaiah had strong views about political issues of his day, and his words, which Catholics and others who use the Common Lectionary read over the four Sundays of Advent, are impossible to hear without applying them to politics today.
Thomas J. Reese
Thomas J. Reese is a Jesuit priest and longtime journalist who formerly edited America, a Catholic journal of opinion published by the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Society of Jesus is a religious order of clerics noted for its emphasis on education, social justice and human rights. Pope Francis is a Jesuit.
As December begins, we want to start looking forward to celebrating a joyful Christmas. Doing so is tough with wars still in Ukraine and the Middle East. The world situation is so bleak, some are tempted to give up hope. The Christian Advent is full of hope, but it also reminds us that we have to work to prepare the way for the Lord, not just wait passively for his coming.
