More Righteous, More Just

Homily for Wednesday, December 18

The first reading for today’s liturgy is, I am sure, a familiar choice as it was also the first reading for the First Sunday of Advent this year. The prophet Jeremiah proclaims that the children of Israel will call God, “The Lord, our Justice.” He prophesies that God will raise a righteous shoot to David, a king who shall reign and govern wisely.

In the Gospel text for today, Joseph, the spouse of Mary, is called a righteous man.

The term “righteous” is often misunderstood. God’s justice has nothing to do with what is commonly referred to as justice in legal terms. Being righteous means being in a right relationship with God and one’s neighbor. Indeed, we are all in a relationship with one another and with every part of God’s creation. In order for that relationship to be a “right relationship,” one must recognize what God desires of us. Our relationship with God must be one of recognizing God as creator and oneself as the creature. Our relationship with one another must be one of recognizing that no one is greater than or more favored than. In what is perhaps the most familiar prayer that we offer to God, we call God “OUR Father.” All of us are children of God. Unless we recognize that, our relationships are disordered and fail in justice.

The angel addresses Joseph as the Son of David. Jesus is, therefore, the righteous shoot of which Jeremiah speaks. The angel also tells Joseph that he is to name the child born of Mary “Jesus,” a name that means that “God saves.” The Scriptures also refer to the child born of the virgin as “Emmanuel,” a name that means “God with us.”

The whole history of God’s people is a history of God being with us and accomplishing our salvation. Our daily choices impact our ability to accept the redemption that Jesus offers us. Cultivating a personal relationship  with Jesus helps us to become more like him, helps us to become more righteous.