“It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.”
– Daniel Berrigan, Testimony: The Word Made Flesh (Orbis Books, 2004).
Please see my correction to this post.
Interrupting the Silence 
This is sooo good! Good to speak to a perceived loss of Hope or support for humanity here and around the world! Thank you very much, Mike.
On Dec 3, 2016 9:44 AM, “Interrupting the Silence” wrote:
Michael K. Marsh posted: ” “It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss— This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life; It is not true “
LikeLike
Advent blessings to you Jan and your family.
Mike+
LikeLike
Reblogged this on preachtruthyoumoron and commented:
Love this!
LikeLike
Once again Fr. Mike you hit it right on by highlighting some of the writings of Fr. Daniel. His story could be a movie. Wishing you a Happy Advent!
Deacon John
LikeLike
Thanks Deacon John. Fr. Daniel offers us some much needed wisdom and courage.
May Advent expectations bring you Christmas joy. Peace be with you,
Mike+
LikeLike
Thank you for this. Sharing with our lay Episcopal community (we also enjoyed sharing your sermon for yesterday’s Gospel at our service last night).
LikeLike
Shannon, may the hope and expectation of Advent lead you and your community to the joy of Christmas. Thanks for your comment and for reading my blog.
God’s peace be with you,
Mike+
LikeLike
I needed to remember all of this! Thank you so much for posting this.
LikeLike
I’m glad it was helpful. I need reminding too.
God’s peace be with you,
Mike+
LikeLike
For a number of years Dan would lead an Advent study group at the Silver Bay Association on Lake George in December…he must have encouraged us to listen to and write poetry as a part of that gathering…I wrote this in 1998…it resurfaced this week:
Reflections for Dan Berrigan
How can the many eyed fly not see
The webbing of the screen?
Its six fingered plucking rings
Through the room to sing silence into prayer.
The mechanics of a clock measuring seconds
Ticks out the metronome f heartbeats
Forced through some fret filled neck
As the pulse of life pumps mystery.
Mark C. Johnson
LikeLike
Thanks Mark, for these images and for making Fr. Berrigan a bit more present.
“To sing silence into prayer” – I will carry that one with me. Thank you.
God’s peace be with you,
Mike+
LikeLike