It is the first Sunday of Advent and we are called to prepare for the coming of the Lord (Christmas). The prophecy of Isaiah alludes to mountain climbing, the encounter at the highest mountain, where the Lord establishes a kingdom of peace, love, righteousness and unity. Interestingly, the activities on the mountain, though spiritual, has political consequences.

It has consequences on the relationship between/among nations. Rather than wars – nuclear war, tribal war, civil war, trade war, diplomatic war, and so on – peace, collaboration, partnership and friendship is to be the norm.

It has consequences on the economic development of nations. Instead of having a toxic financial system that favours the elites against the masses, the rich against the poor; an economy that is shaped, defined and controlled by the ‘one percent of the one percent’ the activities on the mountain will vanquish greed, and idolization of wealth. It would promote the just redistribution of wealth and earthly resources so that everyone flourishes.

It has consequence on the healthcare system of nations. The gap between the rich and the poor is responsible for the health crisis too. Poor people have no access to affordable healthcare, they have no access to clean drinkable water, the have no access to a hygienic environment, etc. Once these are fixed, the effect on health becomes visible. More still, a situation where there is peace rather than wars and conflict means that people will live healthily and longer.

Indeed, one can draw further implications. We need love, peace and unity. We need solidarity so that each and everyone of us can live a meaningful human life. We need God in us, because only God can move us into true transformation of selves and society. May your mountain oh Lord, be our constant dwelling place!