The Will to Dream: Prophetic Peace

Malachi 3:1–6a; Matthew 3:1–12

I will come to you for judgment; I will quickly testify against those who exploit the hired workers, the widow, and the orphan, and those who neglect the foreigner” (Malachi 3:5).

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2,3).

"Peace is not a product of avoidance, but the result of a deep transformation"

On this second Sunday of Advent, we hear the voices of Malachi and John as we explore the theme of Prophetic Peace in our series titled "The Will to Dream." What kind of peace are we seeking in today's world? Are we, like the Jews, looking for peace simply as the absence of chaos or crisis? Or are we, like Malachi and John, seeking a deeper understanding of peace—one that is rooted in justice, freedom, and love?

This Advent, we are invited to reflect on the true essence of peace—one that is a courageous, prophetic effort requiring truth-telling, dismantling injustice, and paving the way for a kingdom rooted in justice and love. The call to peace transcends mere sentimentality; it leads us into the wilderness alongside John the Baptist. His voice, echoing through the desert, is not soothing; it is disruptive. His call to repentance seeks not personal guilt but communal transformation. He challenges the systems and identities that have grown comfortable with power, exposing the fragile peace of empire—a peace built on domination, silence, and stability for a select few.

The Gospel of Matthew, created in the wake of the Roman destruction of the temple, understands the implications of this event very well. The Roman Empire offers a peace that pacifies rather than liberates. In contrast, John proclaims that true peace requires a reorientation of our hearts, systems, and society. His imagery is fiery and raw—depicting a winnowing fork and an axe at the root—because the kind of change he calls for is costly. It disrupts complacency. True peace results from deep transformation; it reveals our complicity and rejects performative religion.

Beside John’s disruptive message stands the prophet Malachi, whose imagery of a refiner’s fire illustrates what divine justice truly means. It’s not merely about punishment; it’s about purification. In Malachi’s vision, God’s justice confronts economic exploitation, false promises, and the marginalization of the vulnerable. The refining process, much like repentance, aims to eliminate what blinds us and restore our integrity.

John's message can be unsettling because it addresses both the actions of the powerful and our responsibilities during this waiting period. He urges us to prepare for the kingdom of heaven through repentance. John's call invites everyone to realign their hearts and minds. This message remains relevant today. Whether we have grown too comfortable with society’s current promises, feel disillusioned, or are indifferent, we must adjust our thinking.

To repent means to turn our hearts toward justice, to recognize injustice, and to demand accountability. In this context, peace is not simply the result of one person's power or a single group's control; it requires the collective effort of all of God's people. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Therefore, peace is not achieved through avoidance, but through a profound transformation of both individuals and systems..

This Advent, we reclaim peace as a prophetic endeavor. It is not passive or polite; rather, it is forged in the fire of truth-telling, refined by the Spirit, and rooted in a vision for a kingdom of restored relationships. This peace requires more than mere comfort—it demands the courage to speak truth, confront injustice, and prepare our communities for a peace that dismantles and rebuilds.

Do not be surprised if some people, especially fellow Christians, question your faith as you care for those in need. God foresaw that humanity would commit terrible acts in His name, which is the rationale behind the third commandment! This commandment instructs us not to take God's name in vain and emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others. As you promote the well-being of all, you may face criticism from those who justify their harmful actions, even while claiming to act in God's name!

Let's learn from the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission," which was established in 1996 and guided by Nelson Mandela, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu as its chair. Following this initiative, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation was founded in 2000 and continues to operate today. Rooted in the principles of restorative justice, these organizations listen to and document the wrongs committed during apartheid, working toward reparations and rehabilitation for all those affected by these injustices. In addition to their significant achievements, their commitment to seeking restorative peace—by distinguishing between what is lawful and what is moral—should serve as a model for us all.

Malachi and John call out, which may not seem peaceful at first, but their cries are meant to inspire those around them to seek change that brings about peace. Their messages encourage us to reevaluate our approach to pursuing justice and peace. True peace requires truth and fairness—not just silence. Prophets speak the truth, even when it's difficult. God desires us to change our hearts rather than just pretend. Making peace involves standing up for those who are hurting. We prepare for Jesus by paving the way for justice. Peace is not easy, but we can help make it a reality.

As we leave this morning, let us remember that now is the time to stand with Malachi and John in embracing prophetic peace, where justice, freedom, and love prevail!