Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be shalom, 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.
Isaiah 32:16-18
We focus, often and rightly, on the miracle of abundance evident in this story of the feeding of the 5000. More than enough food was supplied for all with baskets of “broken bread” left over. But I saw the parable with new eyes this Advent season when exploring stories of hospitality.
We have to understand two important terms.
Righteousness: Righteousness is “first and foremost a quality ascribed to God.” For us, it is living the recognized standard of God’s righteousness... defined simply as “obedience” to God’s commands summarized by Jesus as love God, love neighbor.
Shalom: God’s ultimate goal for all creation. Often translated “peace” in the biblical text, shalom is a Hebrew word that is deeper and broader than our language allows. It connotes health and well-being, peace, comfort, safety, and the ability to thrive--for the entire community. Shalom has not been achieved when some, or even most, people have it; it is present only when everyone lives in “peaceful habitation.”
The picture painted in Isaiah follows the exile. According to the prophets, a primary reason God was displeased with God’s people was their oppressive behavior. Some people did well; most were oppressed. Success was achieved at the expense of the poor, the weak, the helpless. Again and again, God condemns God’s people for worshipping in great spaces and with great correctness while people outside the temple suffer.
God tell us that right worship happens only when we work for shalom and act in ways that result in the health and wholeness of all people. Interestingly, I have yet to find biblical instruction on treating others well if they “deserve” it. Shalom is for all, deserving or not.
This is good news for us. God comes in Jesus to show us how to live and serve in righteousness so that shalom can happen for all people. We who are aware of the gift we have received in the incarnation are grateful it is not dependent on whether we deserve it.
I can’t help but think that our first small step to establishing shalom for all of God’s creation is to stop trying to determine whether those we are able to help are “deserving.” Each of us can do that...it depends on us and us alone. But it may be the hardest small step we ever take toward justice.
When justice dwells in the wilderness, the wilderness is tamed. God’s people live with enough, in secure homes, enjoying quiet resting places. In a word, shalom.
Strengthen us, O God, in your service...the simplest ask is the hardest thing for us to do. Amen.
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