The Fruit of Righteousness

Second Thursday of Advent

Isaiah 32:16-18

Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,

    and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.

The effect of righteousness will be peace,

    and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,

    in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

The forest will disappear completely,

    and the city will be utterly laid low.

Happy will you be who sow beside every stream,

    who let the ox and the donkey range freely.

Reflection

What comes to mind when you think of “righteousness”? It has an old-fashioned, religious ring to it. For this reason some like it, and others hate it. The dictionary defines it as being morally right or justifiable. So, in the language of today, to be righteous is to “be a good person.”

The reading from Isaiah tells us what righteousness really is, and what it’s for. Righteousness is justice, and the result of justice is peace, quietness, trust, and fruitful fields; righteousness gives us security. 

The prophet is making the claim that righteousness isn’t just a word people can use to make themselves feel better and others feel worse, nor is it just an abstract moral standard. Righteousness is peace and harmony among people and between humans and the earth. 

To be righteous is to care.

To be righteous is to promote justice. 

The Advent message of peace that is found in this passage is that we recognize our need for justice and prepare ourselves for Christmas, when we celebrate the coming of Jesus, who is truly just and righteous. 

  • What comes to mind when you think of “righteousness”?

  • How does righteousness bring about harmony and peace?

  • What is justice?

Matt Nault