Third Sunday of Advent

“The spirit of God is upon me… and has sent me to bring good news…”

How our world longs for Good News: refreshment in the midst of COVID-19 and ease from the burden of worry and loneliness. News of a vaccine is pending and we have our arms ready. But our world also longs for relief from financial constraints and from the negativity of politicians and media. Our world longs for unity, for the peace of compassionate understanding, for hope amidst unjust criticism and oppressive structures. Front-line workers need relief and support against the anti-vaxxers, the conspiracy theorists, and merchants who fail to protect against price gouging and lapsed safety protocols. Into this world, the Saviour is coming. Who will bring the message of healing, forgiveness and hope? Who will stand in solidarity with those tired of waiting; with those drowning in COVID- fatigue? Who will call the people to patience and compassion?

We wait in hope; we live in the in-between time of no vaccine, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We just don’t know how long the tunnel is, and it is dark! Who will wait with patience and compassion and hope? Our charism of reconciling love calls us to wait, and to stir the embers of hope in those suffering from fatigue, loneliness and isolation. Our prayer today is for a restoration of hope, and our action today may be the renewing smile and the gesture of solidarity as simple as touching an elbow. We wait in hope, in patience and in stillness. We wait … knowing our God waits with us, walks alongside us into the wilderness and beyond. “Rejoice… pray… give thanks… hold fast… the One who calls is faithful… and will do this.”

-Sister Helen Russell, csj

A Labour of Love

Amina and her 3 boys

Amina and her three boys, Abdulahi, 13, Abdihakin, 12, and Abdihamid, 8, arrived in Canada, October 20, 2017.  For the first couple of days they lived with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Hamilton before moving into a 2 bedroom apartment. In a Zoom interview with the family I learned a little about their adjustments to Canada.

Q. Where did you live before coming to Canada?

We lived in Camp Kakuma, in Kenya with thousands of other refugees in tents and we went to school in the Camp. (Camp Kakuma is considered one of the largest refugee camps in the world according to statistics published in 2019)

Q. What do you miss most about Kakuma?

All three boys said emphatically, we miss our friends!  We used to play a lot of tag, hide and seek, and soccer.  After we finish our education we will go back to Kenya for a visit to reconnect with our friends.

Q. What do you like about your home in Canada?

All agreed it is so comfortable here. In Kakuma we didn’t have so much stuff.  We had to walk to get water.

Q. Have you played hockey yet?

I love hockey but I find it hard to control the stick, said Abdulahi.  Basketball was the most popular sport with all three boys’ because we can play it at the park with our friends. Abdihakin spoke most enthusiastically about sports. He is involved with track and field and a Checkers Club.  He has travelled on tournaments. Snow is especially fun for Abdihamid as he likes to go sledding.  All three liked snow ball fights. We have many friends who live in this neighbourhood. Drawing is a passion for Abdulahi. 

Authentic Canadian Poutine

Q. What is your favorite Canadian food? Poutine was the loud answer. Abdihamid immediately added pancakes with syrup, and burgers.  “It is all nice food.”

Q. Are you looking forward to Christmas and the holidays? The family is Muslim and celebrates Eid, so Christmas is not too familiar to them. However, Amina said that the boys are open to presents just the same.

I asked Amina, What do you find most difficult living in Canada? To which she warmly replied, “I don’t find anything difficult because of you people.  All you people on the Refugee Committee are so wonderful.  You reached out in help each time I or the children needed help. You are our friends in this new country.”

Amina is referring to the Sisters of St. Joseph Refugee Committee that has been supporting refugees seeking asylum in Canada for many years.

Assisting refugees is a labour of love and demanding, but the joy and determination that each of our families has shown makes the work so fulfilling. It also makes us very aware of how fortunate we are to live in Canada – COVID or not.

-Sister Ann Marshall, csj

Advent 2

Comfort, O comfort my people… (Isaiah 40,1)

As we begin this second week of Advent the words of Isaiah seem to be written for our times.  We look around the world today and everyone is suffering pain or loss along with uncertainty, and fear.   Is there some wisdom for us in this season of Advent?  How is God speaking to us at this time? 

The word that emerges during this time Advent is longing.  I hear myself or others express that we long to return to normal, we long to gather with family and friends, we long to travel again, we long to gather as faith communities and many other longings felt day by day. And wait…

These longings although not always pleasant, help us recognize what is important in our lives, and waiting for them is itself a manifestation that is God is with us.  We can ask that we recognize God’s spirit of Hope and Light and ease our anxiety and fear during these dark days of this global pandemic.  Strangely our longing comes from wanting more and understanding that we have enough.  We see how the mystery of God works within us and around us.

The Celebration of Christmas recalls the birth of Jesus.  However, it draws not to the past but invites us to see how God is present with us now.  The gift of the Incarnation once again invites us to welcome Love who brings true dignity and security by embracing all and enriching all.  This season calls us to share justly and celebrate joyfully. Blessings these Advent days!

-Sister Joan Atkinson, csj

In the Company of Birds

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Psalm 84

Throughout the year a variety of birds spend time in my yard. This past summer I was visited by pairs of Purple Finches, Western Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I was delighted when a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers decided to build their home in a poplar tree close to my back deck. I was able to observe them every day as they tapped for two weeks making a hole for their nest. Before I knew it, the chirping of baby birds could be heard. I watched as the parents took turns bringing food to their young.

As autumn set in, many birds began migrating and the yard was quiet and empty, almost lonely. But soon, as the snow arrived, the winter birds returned. 9 to 12 variety of birds visit the feeders every day. The vibrant colours of the summer flowers are replaced by the warm colours of rose, rust and ruby feathers.

Set against the whiteness of the snow, the male pine grosbeak is resplendent in his rose plumage with silver-grey wings. The Common Redpoll sports a beautiful ruby patch on its head. On a sunny day, it shines like a jewel. Last March the Snow Buntings visited the front deck for almost two weeks. It is difficult to see these little birds up close since they swirl and fly quickly as you come near them. I was able to see the beautiful brown dotted necklace on their breast. What a treat!

Birds have taught me many lessons over the years. Two experiences are very vivid in my memory. The first memory happened in the summer of 1972. I was making a 30 - day retreat prior to my profession of Final Vows. As I was walking on the grounds of the retreat centre, I came upon an adult robin lying on the ground under a tree. At first glance, I thought it was injured. But I could also hear chirping coming from above. I watched in amazement as the mother robin would raise one wing and lower it and then chirp to the young chick on a branch in the tree. The little one would stand, flaps its wings, and then promptly sit down. This went on for several minutes. I presume the chick did eventually fly as I continued my walk.

The second memory is more recent. I was experiencing grief as my sister had recently died quite unexpectedly. A redpoll had hit the front window. The sound of the thump alerted me to look in the snow. The tiny bird was lying there. I went out, picked it up from the snow and cupped its body in my hands. If this happens soon enough, often the bird will recover its breath. For several minutes there was no change. I was thinking that this one had hit the window too hard.  But then, I felt the tiny beat of its heart. It was an incredible moment. Keeping the bird on its side in my cupped hand I soon felt it begin to move its wings. When the fluttering seemed stronger, I opened my hands, and the redpoll flew away.

One of my many visitors

As I reflect, lessons of patience, co-operation, hope, and perseverance come to mind. My heart is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the beauty, variety, and companionship of these feathered friends. I appreciate why Jesus used parables to teach.

The season of Advent has been likened to a nest. A nest provides shelter, comfort, and new life. The last nine months of the COVID-19 virus have been stressful. There has been loss, uncertainty, anxiety, but also opportunities for new ways of seeing and living life. As I prepare my heart this Advent season, my “nest” will be made of the “twigs of my everyday life” for the indwelling of my God.

Blessings in this season of Advent.

-Sister Maggie Beaudette, Hay River, NT