As I reflect on this last day of Advent, how can I, like a “prophet of Good News”, #dwell more deeply on the relationships the Bible’s laws emphasize—not only with others but also with all living beings—and allow On Care for Our Common Home to inspire me to nurture these connections, perhaps through acts of communal reflection like a winter solstice bonfire, where creation itself becomes a space for God’s presence and renewal❓
Gospel
Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
This question invites me to dwell on the deeper meaning of Advent’s final day. The laws in the Bible often highlight relationships—not just between people but also with the entirety of creation. I am called to dwell on the interconnectedness of all life and to see how these sacred relationships reflect God’s love. In this sacred space, I recognize my place not as a dominator but as a steward of creation, entrusted to care for what God has given.
To dwell in this reality means embracing the role of a “prophet of Good News”, proclaiming hope and restoration. Prophets in Scripture often spoke of justice and renewal, calling others to dwell in God’s presence. Today, I must ask myself if I am willing to live this prophetic mission, not only in words but in actions that testify to my care for people, the earth, and all living beings. Advent reminds me that this Good News is not merely a message but a way of life.
Madmartigan: Wake from this hateful sleep, it deprives me of your beauty, beauty of your eyes.
[Sorsha wakes up and pulls out a knife at Madmartigan]
Sorsha: One move jackass, and you really will be a woman.
[Sorsha stands up and pushes Madmartigan back]
Madmartigan: You are my sun, my moon, my starlit sky, without you, dwell in darkness. I love you.
On Care for Our Common Home deepens this call, urging me to dwell on the responsibility to foster harmony with the environment. Creation is not merely a backdrop to my existence but a sacred gift from God, meant to be nurtured. Engaging in acts like a winter solstice bonfire allows me to dwell in awe of the natural world, reconnect with its rhythms, and find God’s presence in the light and warmth shared with others.
As Advent closes, I am invited to dwell in the anticipation of Emmanuel—God with us—and consider how my life reflects the hope and love Christ brings. Am I willing to shine this light through my relationships, my care for creation, and use my prophetic witness…
“‘…to shine on those who dwell in darkness'”❓
The laws found in the Bible dwell on relationships, not only among individuals but also with other living beings.
From paragraph 68 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME