Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11
The prophet, Jerusalem, c 500 BCE
61:1 The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for God has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison;
61:2 to proclaim a year of favour from God, a day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all those who mourn
The prophets, Aotearoa, Advent 2023
The spirit of Truth has been given to us, for God has anointed us. We are sent to stand with the wronged.
We condemn those who take from the poor to give to the rich.
We condemn those who favour big business over the health of those dispossessed of their land.
We condemn those who want to whitewash our nation.
We condemn those who plan to build more prisons.
We are called to bring good news to the poor.
We are called to proclaim restoration for the people of the land.
We are called to support those bringing rangatahi life rather than prison.
We are called to bind up hearts that are broken.
God will comfort all who mourn, enliven all who feel disempowered, strengthen all who preach and act for justice.
The prophet, Jerusalem, c 500 BCE
61:10 I exult for joy in Yahweh, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity, like a bridegroom wearing his wreath, like a bride adorned in her jewels.
61:11 For as the earth makes fresh things grow, as a garden makes seeds spring up, so will the Lord Yahweh make both integrity and praise spring up in the sight of the nations.
The prophets, Aotearoa, Advent 2023
We condemn those who make laws that lessen the care for our waterways.
We condemn those who facilitate the increase of fossil fuels.
We condemn those who fail to encourage greater use of public transport.
We condemn those who make false claims about caring for the environment.
We are called to cherish the gift of Mother Earth.
We are called to live simply and sustainably.
We are called to focus on communal wellbeing before individual wealth.
We are called to act with integrity.
God rejoices when the earth makes fresh things grow, when the garden makes seeds spring up, when the human family walks lightly and honestly on the land.
O God, come and be present in our nation. Move our hearts, our minds and our wills to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly in the land.
Contributed by Susan Healy
