Msgr. Pope on the Paradox of God's Power

"One of the great cries of Advent is for God to rend the heavens and come down (Is 64:1), for Him to stir up His mighty power and come to save us (Ps 80:2). But what is it that we really seek? Is it armies with thunder and lightning? Is it vindication and peace on our terms? In a way, it is a dangerous cry if we mean it that way, for who among us can say that no wrath should come to us but only to those other people who deserve it? If God should come in thunderous judgement, are we really so sure we could endure and be numbered among the just?

"It is clear that we need the Lord to save us, but do we see that salvation seen only in earthly terms such that we are saved from our enemies but remain largely unharmed?

"In the final essay of volume 11 of his collected works, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Emeritus Benedict) ponders a similar Advent theme. I'd like to present his reflections and add a few of my own. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on how, in this world, the saving remedy - for others and for us - is through the paradoxical power of the cross.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Stir Up Your Mighty Power, Lord, and Come! An Advent Meditation on the Paradox of God's Power (1 DEC 19)