A Spirit of Hospitality

As I reflect on the gospel of the 4^th Sunday of Advent, I think of the warm welcome Elizabeth extended to her cousin Mary who had travelled far while herself pregnant in order to assist her cousin. These days ‘warm welcome’ calls to mind and fills me with gratitude and joy the arrival of the Syrian refugees and how so many individuals and communities and our country are reaching out with a spirit of hospitality. As well, at this time of year people are in the throes of preparing their hearts and homes to welcome others for celebrations.  Advent is a time of welcoming.

Just as the wombs of Mary and Elizabeth protected precious lives so are each of us and all of us called to protect God’s creation.  We have a long way to go but we leap for joy at the agreement reached at the Climate Change meeting in Paris last week. We recall that Elizabeth’s child John leapt with joy at the sound of Mary’s voice which was also good news.

Fr Bill Clarke, SJ said on a recent retreat that Mother Earth never gives up on us, we are all siblings held in the womb of Mother Earth and that everything we needed we had in the womb.

As we approach the end of this Advent season, in these very difficult times, it is good to leap for joy and appreciate the blessings we see all around us. This is indeed good news.

Nancy Sullivan, csj

A Time for Housecleaning

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

www.stillpoint.ca/

“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