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Third Week of Advent - Tuesday
December 14, 2004
I will leave a remnant in your midst,
A people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord.
Zephaniah 3: 12
The Remnant
One of the greatest obstacles to peace in the world is the widespread and deep divisions that separate peoples. The world is increasingly fragmented by cultural, ethnic, and religious differences, which tear apart the fabric of the human community. Every group has its aspirations, its grievances, its agenda. Every group champions its cause with strident speech and inflexible will. Every group claims to be right, and to have God on its side.
In the midst of this discord is a small number who do not take sides, but who are on God's side. They are the humble and lowly of the earth, who place no trust in nations or causes, but take their refuge in the Lord. They are endowed with faith, which moves them to seek God's will as the guiding force in their lives. They are the remnant.
What is this remnant? Who belongs to it, and how are they recognized? They are not easy to find. They are not outwardly distinguishable. They are not organized or cohesive. They have no rules of membership. Sometimes they do not even recognize each other. They are no one's constituency. They answer to no earthly power. But even though they are not among the great and powerful, and though they exert little influence in worldly affairs, they possess a power greater than any other. They are filled with God's Spirit, and they manifest the power of God's love in the world.
You and I are invited to answer the call of faith and join the remnant of God. We are called to leave behind the factions and parties that tear apart the human family, and join the band of faithful who seek the Lord and strive to do his will. They are the world's only hope, and our only hope is to be among them.
Lord God of power and might, you choose the weak and lowly to be the instruments of your power in the world. Give us the faith and courage to live according to your will, that through our witness the world may know you and be united in your peace.
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