“Come among us, Holy One, come …”

Advent/Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Christ into our world, and Advent specifically recognizes and calls us to an awareness of our need for God’s presence in our lives and our society. John the Baptist and the prophet Baruch both highlight that need. Baruch advises the casting off of sorrow and affliction to put on the beauty of God’s glory and the robe of righteousness; he suggests that we stand upon the heights, not in some hidden obscure corner, but to stand where our voice can be heard. We are assured of God’s invitation to this endeavor with the promise of light and peace.

Righteousness is not a term often used today, but that doesn’t mean it is no longer needed in our world. Righteousness points us in the right direction, smooths the obscurities in a circuitous path and proclaims the right course of action, hence the valleys of greed and prejudice become filled up and the everlasting hills of self-seeking and domination are made low. These smoothed-out ways allow the safe arrival of refugees to our country and the low-income person to receive a just wage. Righteousness is a personal quality found in one who is attentive to God’s ways, who lives in faithfulness and gratitude. Righteousness longs for the well-being of Earth and earthlings. It is found where God dwells and keeps company with truth, justice and compassionate thoughtful action.    

Psalm 26 reminds us of the ongoing deeds of our God accompanied by the call to laughter and peace. Our gratitude brings us in touch with those marvelous deeds. We not only recall the pregnant Mary and Elizabeth, but we are reminded of the wisdom of Francis who inspires us daily with his commitment to the poor and his desire for righteous living on the part of the church.

John’s call resounds today throughout our world, “Prepare God’s ways; make God’s paths straight.” As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may our hearts and minds be ever open to the challenge of climate change and our response to it. May we seek the ways of compassion and openness as we greet the stranger in our midst. May we allow our hearts and our hands to be quiet as we listen for the calming presence of God’s call in this Advent time: “Come among us, Holy One, come …”

Sister Helen Russell, csj

Less We Forget

Oh what a strange world we live in, especially at this time of year. For starters December 8^th! What came to mind?  Well you say the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  WRONG!  According to TV, it is the celebration of Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show!

All kinds of holiday sales and parties – no hint of advent let alone anticipation of the Birth of the Christ Child.  Jesus doesn’t need to offer sales – His gift of Himself is totally free.

Stables are replaced by Santa’s Toyland.  Angels by elves, innkeeper by sales clerks. Music we no longer understand instead of songs like Silent Night, Away in a Manger, A Child is Born.

The Gift of Christ has no expiry date and no need for batteries.

Remember the phrases ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ and one we can really use today ‘Let’s put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS’.

Sr. Barbara Vaughan

An Advent Invitation to Jesus

Jesus, Emmanuel, for our wholeness and well-being, you willingly emptied yourself and became one of us, one with us. During this season of anticipation, we, once again, eagerly await your coming anew!

Beloved God, our barren and sorrow-laden world hungers for the fullness of life and hope that you bring. We long for you to fill the void in our lives with your compassionate Presence. Gracious Spirit, BE with us in our waiting …

Within and about us a voice cries out to prepare a way in the wilderness for the coming of our God. Stay awake! Fully conscious! Focus! Mother Mary, help us to be attentive and open to warmly receive Jesus into our hearts, as you did.      

Holy One, all of creation yearns for your healing touch.  Desire of Nations, come, renew our courage in our efforts to work for peace and justice.  May we reach out in your name, Christ Jesus, to support and assist people who are heavily burdened and soul-weary. 

Gracious God, as we wait in joyful expectation for the coming of the Promised One, may we create a welcome home in our hearts.  Come to us, Jesus!  Beloved Jesus, Come!

Kathleen O’Keefe CSJ

Give Thanks for Speech

Earlier this week the mother of a friend died, Fran was ninety-two years old. We may think she was blessed with a long journey through life, and this is true; however, for the last 21 years as a result of a stroke she has not been able to speak. I can hardly imagine not being able to communicate without using speech. Our voice, which we take so much for granted, expresses our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes our voice conveys our pleasure and other times our displeasure or disappointment. Our voice even asks or answers questions, makes our opinion heard, enters into a conversation, or makes our needs known.

Think over the last day—how did your voice add or subtract to the world around you? Speech is something we take so much for granted—it is just part of our everyday life. Think of your mother’s speaking words: the endearing, “I love you” or the reprimanding, “you should know better young lady!” Her words of wisdom like “learn from your mistakes”, daily chatter, “so how was your day?” “call your sisters for supper.” or “be in the house before the street lights come on.”

Speech allows us to express our simplest needs: “I am hungry”, “I’m tired”, “I’m too hot”, “I’m too cold”, and many more…

Fran tried to communicate to the best of her ability but could never replace the power of the spoken word. You can hardly imagine how difficult this was for her family and friends, as they struggled over the years to encourage Fran and how saddened they were when at times they couldn’t relieve her frustration.

Now Fran is speaking, chatting, and singing all over heaven. In her first face to face with her loving Creator, I can hear her telling God how thankful she is for her family and caregivers—speechless no more! “Bless my family and caregivers I know they were your special gift to me!”

“Come to me, all you that are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord (P5 11:28)” St. Fran intercessor for the speechless… pray for us.

Barbara Vaughan, CSJ

... In Flanders Field ...

How can one small red poppy which we wear on our lapels carry so much meaning?  The Battle of Ypres left buried in makeshift graves thousands of young men who gave their lives for freedom. From these poppy-laden fields emerged a simple symbol crying, “Never again war”!  

It was Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who raised the poppy to prominence exactly one century ago.  His poem, “In Flanders Fields,” penned on the Ypres battle field in 1915, immortalized the fallen soldiers who were buried hastily among hosts of bright red poppies. His lament, echoes the horrific human cost of war.

Alas, a century later, our world is awash in conflicts, oppression and battles on many fronts.  As the aged soldiers of two world wars fade away, newly minted young men and women rise to take their place. They dutifully represent Canada at home and abroad fulfilling the plea of a grieving soldier on a blood-soaked battle ground:

“To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields”.

Jean Moylan, CSJ