Everywhere we turn these days we are painfully seized by the images of fleeing Syrians and Iraqis searching for a place of safety, security and peace. Whole families with children, parents and grandparents are filled with fear for their lives as they abandon their warring homelands. Our times are heart-wrenching!
As we enter this third week of Advent, I ask, "How can we make a difference?"
We could consider doing some personal "housecleaning". This idea was meaningful for me when I heard a homilist recently refer to the seasons of Advent and Lent as times of "housecleaning". In both cases we find ourselves approaching major events in the life of Jesus, his Birth, his Death and Resurrection. During most of the year, we are "housekeeping" but in these weeks of Advent we are invited to be about "housecleaning" so as to be ready and open to receive again Emmanuel dwelling among us.
How open are we to receive the suffering Christ in the persons of refugees? Imagine the forced "housecleaning" thrust upon these people fleeing their country. What could "housecleaning" look like as we prepare to live this week?
Presuming that refugees are being anticipated in our environs:
We can pray that all Canadians welcome warmly their arrival.
We can be part of the gathering of resources to address their needs.
We can encourage those around us to open their hearts and their wallets to assist them.
We can accept well, in the spirit of Jesus, whatever the day brings.
Sister Betty Berrigan, csj