Advent Word Day 7: Unity

Oh, my. This small word elicited a big sigh this morning. As the meditation pointed out, unity requires reconciliation, which in turn requires radical openness and listening and vulnerability. It requires that especially from those of us who have power and privilege. Sadly, I am not hopeful about that in these contentious times. It seems that instead of listening to one another, the “sides” seem to want to out-talk and out-shout one another to prove their point. I can’t even stand to watch the news any more, as it seems every day there is another example of mean-spirited, self-focused hateful nonsense, and it feels like we are slipping farther and farther from the kingdom of God envisioned and preached by Jesus. This is a hard part of Advent, this slowing down, this really seeing things as they are. John the Baptist was unequivocal in his demands that his followers repent and change their ways. Our prophets call for the same, especially from those of us who claim to follow Jesus. Will we hear them and  what will be our answer?