Many people have longed for a world of peace, justice, and harmony. It seems as if we only experience conflict, injustice, greed, and hatred. Human efforts to build this world often collapse.

Isaiah gives us a beautiful vision of a world in which humans and animals no longer fear each other and warfare is a thing of the past. The world is governed by a just, wise, and incorruptible ruler.

This is a vision of the world God wants for us. It lies in the future but also within us. We begin to create that wonderful world when our hearts and minds are in harmony with God. It is God's work, but we must cooperate.

Jesus rejoiced that the wonderful things unfolding during his ministry were being given to simple people rather than the wise and clever. We cannot 'figure God out' or manipulate God, nor can we understand God's ways.

It is only by approaching God with a humble and open heart that God can fill us with divine wisdom. Rather than trying to play God - and we all do this - let us allow God to teach us the divine path each day.