REFLECTIONS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

“Joy is the echo of God’s life within us.”

How wonderful to hear those Advent refrains of “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”  This third Sunday of Advent the whole chorus of readings seems to awaken in us the spirit of exultant joy. The prophet Zephaniah proclaims God singing loudly, dancing and exulting over his beloved ones, promising them renewal and restoration, embraced in God’s great love. “Rejoice and exult with all your heart.”

The apostle Paul reminds the Philippian community to relax, rejoice inwardly, for you do not need to worry about anything. Trust the nearness of God. Let the peace of God be ever present, guarding your minds and hearts from darkness, discouragement, anxiety and worldly concerns. “Shout aloud and sing for joy; great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

Even John the Baptist steadies questioning hearts with his simple exhortation to just do your life with honesty and integrity and be filled with holy expectation for God is very near to you. John proclaims that the One who is coming is greater than he and will guide all believers by the fire of the Spirit into a brand new way of seeing and being. John proclaimed that a way of justice, peace and love was coming upon the earth. The new Way was going to be given in the person of Jesus, the Christ. The One coming was God incarnate in human flesh. Such a miracle of love! Truly, this is joy to our world.

These Scripture readings got me pondering about JOY as it manifests in our spiritual lives. Deeper than emotions, beyond pleasant outer circumstances, transcending knowledge and insight, there arises this quiet, profound sense of joy. It is pure gift. As one’s contemplative spirit grows, so does the awareness that our joy proceeds from the inner realization of one’s union with God. As Jesus promised, God who is overflowing in abundant joy, longs to share that joy with us: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).

As we walk our faith journey, this deepening of freedom, peace and joy become more and more participative and transformative, so much so that the indwelling Treasure within our soul overflows into loving service and compassionate presence. Amazingly so, this union endures even in the midst of struggles and sufferings for “nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39).

Over the years, we just seem to grow into this way of ‘knowing things’. Experience has taught us this wisdom. Faithful listening and receptivity to grace have guided us gently and steadily into becoming generous partakers in God’s very own life. Our spiritual father, Jean-Pierre Medaille SJ, understood that it was in self-emptying that we most truly found God indwelling us and sharing that fullness with us. “Be loving Love and let God’s love love through you” (M.P., Part 2).

As I understand it now, God’s true nature is joyful, expansive, inclusive, love. God is overflowing with abundant joy. So, our whole spiritual life, founded on Jesus’ invitation, is to “enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:21). Humbly trust that your joy is the echo of God’s life in you. In the midst of a world weighed down by troubles, we Christians, possessed by this divine joy, can be contagious, attractive and shining examples of the Joy of the Gospel that Pope Francis exhorts us to be. “Joy is a net of love by which we catch souls, for the one filled with joy, preaches without preaching” (St. Teresa of Calcutta).

                                                                                                                                                            - Rosemary O’Toole, CSJ

A REFLECTION ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Last August while in Ireland, I met for the first time the granddaughter of one of my cousins. Eve is her name. When I asked her how old she was, she said in her Irish brogue and without hesitation while throwing her arms up over her head so spontaneously and joyfully, “I’m ‘tree’ and I’m going to be four in December!” I am still enjoying that delightful encounter with Eve and SHE is my way into Advent this year.

Advent is all about the already and not yet. Just like Eve, we are already something and not yet something else. We are already in God through the great gift of the Incarnation and yet we are not yet filled as fully as we can be with all that this great mystery of Christ’s birth has in store for us. At one and the same time, we carry with us both joy and longing, both rootedness in God and a certain yearning for more to bloom in us.

Advent calls us into gratitude for what we already are and have and at the same time these weeks also invite us to open up even more. “Rejoice!” this Sunday’s entrance antiphon proclaims to us! Throw your arms up over your head and enjoy the presence of our loving God who is always with us! At the same time, though, “do not let your hands grow weak” (Zephaniah) or your hearts be satisfied. Make your needs known to God (Philippians) and be generous with your food and your clothing (Luke) for that is the way we show who God is.

We know well all in our world today who need our food and our clothing and so many other gifts that we have been given so that they too can “throw their arms up over their heads” in joy. Maybe they need our food of kindness and acceptance, and just as they are. Maybe they need our coats of care and compassion to warm their spirits into hope again. “Out of the mouth of babes,” as Psalm 8 says. Indeed! I thank you Eve for your gift to me last August and now too in Advent! I yearn too for even more joy and wisdom this year from the Babe of Bethlehem.

by   Mary Ellen Sheehan, IHM, Monroe, MI

Sisters of St. Joseph Support the “Global Compact for Migration”

Migration is Complex, Multidimensional and Worthy of Good Public Dialogue

There are tensions in Canada when it comes to migration:  Some Canadians put out signs saying “All are Welcome Here” while others complain about irregular border crossings; some groups sponsor refugee families while others point to a lack of services to address the needs of newcomers; some delight in new and different food choices while others experience discomfort with difference.

There’s room for all these perspectives in a healthy and respectful national dialogue about migration. 

But there’s no room for the fear-mongering and downright silliness which too often has become part of this conversation.  A case in point: Toronto Sun columnist Candice Malcolm referred to the UN’s Global Compact for Migration as a “dystopian UN plan” which “seeks to erase borders, destroy the concept of citizenship, undermine the rule of law and circumvent state sovereignty.”  Worse yet, Andrew Scheer, in a position of responsibility as leader of the Opposition in Canada, suggested the Global Compact could “open the door to foreign bureaucrats telling Canada how to manage our borders.”  Wrong and wrong – on both counts.  Not even close to reality.

What is the Global Compact for Migration?

It’s a 36-page document, developed at the UN level, which lays out a collaborative approach to dealing with global migration.  The Global Compact sets out 23 objectives for responding to migrants in ways which respect their dignity and rights while also creating benefits for the country of destination.

Is it legally binding on countries which sign it?

No, the Global Compact is not legally binding on the nations which sign it.  It is non-enforceable.  Indeed,  The Global Compact  explicitly affirms the sovereign right of states to set their own national migration policies, in conformity to international law.

It’s more of a toolbox to help countries foster inclusive and cohesive societies, integrating migrants so they will enrich their host country and addressing “structural factors that hinder people from building and maintaining sustainable livelihoods in their countries of origin.”

What else is in the Global Compact?

The global compact's 23 objectives include:

• Collecting and utilizing accurate data to develop evidence-based policies.
• Minimizing the factors that drive people from their country of origin.
• Facilitating fair and ethical recruitment of migrant workers and promoting decent work conditions.
• Strengthening the response to migrant smuggling and stopping the trafficking of persons. 
• Providing access to basic services for migrants. 
• Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration.

The Global Compact is the basis for treating all people with dignity and fairness; it encourages countries collectively to address factors which push people away from their country of origin; it’s a foundation for a healthy and helpful public dialogue – some of the many reasons the Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada support the Global Compact for Migration. 

 - Sue Wilson, CSJ | Office for Systemic Justice

Gospel Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent

The familiar cry of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord strikes a new chord in me as I listen to current issues and policies that tend to divide and tear apart our society.  How can the paths be made straight in our world that is threatened by conflict, pollution, the rise of dangerous populism and a host of other crises?  To what does this Gospel passage call me in this Advent season of waiting in hope for the coming of the kingdom.  As I become more aware of the power and privilege I hold just because I am a middle -class white person, I am challenged to look more deeply into my relationship with the poor and marginalized in our society.  Traditionally the focus has been on sharing our material abundance with those who do not have at this time, in order to bring joy and peace in the Christmas season.  And this practice continues with astounding generosity and ample good will.  But is there more to the way of the Lord at this time?

In my reflection on the symbols of this Gospel reading, the mountains and hills are where I find myself as part of our white middle-class culture that is favoured by the structures and policies of our society.  The valley holds the poor and disenfranchised, those we traditionally reach out to.  The crooked ways contain those who are without direction, and the rough ways are for those who face difficult challenges in life.  To make the paths straight, it is necessary for the mountains to be brought low, for the safe and secure to leave a place of comfort  and contentment, not just to share goods but to share life with the poor, the lost and the struggling.  The valleys of pain and despair will be filled, the crooked ways made straight and the rough paths smooth when we walk in friendship, not just at Christmas, but in a lasting relationship with someone we see now as different because they don’t live by our norms.  In the meantime, we can be more attentive to the language we use, and the attitudes we express about our brothers and sisters we don’t usually mingle with.  We can become more informed about poverty issues, refugee struggles or gay rights so that we can challenge poor-bashing or distrust of those who are different.  The way of Jesus is a path of unity, and begins with entering into a relationship with one who stands apart from you for a host of reasons.  We wait in hope for the kingdom. Perhaps we are called today to take a step toward creating that kingdom as we prepare the way of the Lord. 

- Sister Joan Driscoll, csj

Let Darkness Bury the Dead

Maureen Jennings’ mystery, Let Darkness Bury the Dead, (2017) is a Murdock Mystery. I did not choose this novel because of the story, but rather because I like Maureen Jennings’ writing and the Murdock character she has created.  It turned out that the novel is a story of the First World War, 100 years ago. I finished reading the novel just before Remembrance Day.

This story presents a very good description of the hardships and horrors of the Great War as well as a vivid portrayal of Victorian life in Toronto Ontario.

Murdock’s young son, 21 years old, has returned from France having personally experienced the scars of battle along with his friend who also is suffering from the horror of war. Meanwhile, Murdock, a senior detective, is called upon to solve a series of murders of men who were exempted from conscription. The author has woven the details of the events of the war into the story in a way that captivates the reader.   

Poetry and historical excerpts also play an important part in the telling of this story. It is a very interesting read.

- Sr. Valerie Van Cauwenberghe, csj