Reflecting on the Second Sunday of Advent

“God has done great things for us…” (Psalm 126)

“Prepare the way …Every valley shall be filled… the rough ways made smooth...” (Luke 3)

The Second Sunday of Advent strengthens our longing for the God of Peace to come swiftly to our shattered world, bringing compassion and light to many troubled areas: Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, etc. Would we not surrender our petty grievances if peace could be had in the devastated areas of our world, in the troubled hearts of the lonely and addicted, in the trauma of those burdened by homelessness and financial concerns? How we long to reconcile Conservatives and Liberals, Democrats and Republicans. Can we open our hearts wide enough to seek understanding without judgment?

We ask God to restore the fortunes of those despondent who worry like watercourses in the desert. Can weeping be turned into carrying and sharing of sheaves?

Healing hearts and lives, and divisions within and between countries are the crooked ways that need straightening out and uneven ground that requires leveling. Such acts are the great things that God longs to do for our world.

As we immerse ourselves in the purple of Advent, may we walk with the people in our troubled cities and world; may we claim the pain that is within our own minds and hearts and lift it to the light, safety and compassion of God’s presence. As the writer of Philippians was confident “that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Christ Jesus,” may we claim with confidence God’s compassionate presence and healing, both for ourselves and for our world.

Our country and the world are not broken; we need to rediscover and believe God’s promise of ongoing presence living in our hearts. We need to claim the strength, hope and commitment to prepare the way of God in our world today- an important task and not one done alone.

“… teach us, O God, to judge wisely the things of earth….”    (Prayer after Communion)

-Sister Helen Russell, CSJ

Images: Grant Whitty @grantwhitty/ Kelly Sikkema @kellysikkema Unsplash

Celebrating 40 Years of Ark Aid's Dedicated Service to our Community

As November faded into December, a special gala evening of fun and fundraising was held at the Marconi Club on November 29th to mark the 40th anniversary of Ark Aid. As one of London, Ontario’s landmark shelters, Ark Aid serves as a crucial facility at 696 Dundas Street where people in need will receive a warm welcome, good food, and overnight accommodation in safe surroundings.

Honoring Ark Aid’s 40 years of compassionate service, party goers in festive dress were welcomed to the venue with singing and Christmas music. Red poinsettia dressed each white-clothed table in the cavernous dining room. Hundreds of volunteers, staff and supporters mingled and shared stories of the part they played in keeping Ark Aid the thriving outreach that it is for people in need.

In addition to sparkling drinks and a delicious dinner, several musical groups entertained the crowd.  Sarah Campbell, executive director of Ark Aid, presented a detailed account of what has been accomplished during the past year as well as Ark Aid’s hope for the future. It is interesting to note that the London Free Press, in a recent article, reported on Ark Aid’s request to extend funding for winter beds.  After some back-and-forth consultation and public outcry, the funding was granted.

Ark Aid Street Mission with its dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to recognizing the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each person they encounter.  Caring staff assist clients to move forward in life by helping them to make connections with other agencies.

As cold winds whip around our city streets and snow announces that winter is here, we are grateful to Ark Aid and the warm welcoming refuge they have been for 40 years!

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Image: Ev @evstyle | Unsplash

Spreading Goodwill - Giving Tuesday

True giving from the heart is an expression of love.

~ Cara Stein

Spreading Goodwill

Each year, businesses capitalize on the media frenzy surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday, hoping to lure in early Christmas shoppers. These high points of consumerism, however, are the opposite of what Giving Tuesday represents. Giving Tuesday, held on the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, is an international day of giving that kicks off the Christmas and holiday season. It has grown in popularity and received positive reception, with large corporations like Google and Microsoft acting as supporters and promoters.

On Giving Tuesday, individuals are invited to respond to the calls for support from a wide spectrum of charitable organizations, contributing funds that enable these groups to continue providing vital, supportive services.

This December 3rd, consider yourself invited to participate in the spirit of the season by contributing to one of our local charities, thereby gifting neighbors and spreading goodwill in our community.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Unsplash/Lina Trochez @lmtrochezz

Poking Holes in the Darkness

It is common in Advent to encounter the juxtaposition of the themes of light and darkness. In fact, they are found in the familiar, beautiful words of the prophet Isaiah alluding to the coming of the Savior.

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them.. (Isaiah 9:2)

A friend of mine shared a childhood experience of the novelist, Robert Lewis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island. The gist of the story was that on one occasion the delicate, young Robert was discovered by his nurse sitting with his nose pressed up against the glass of his bedroom window. He was thoroughly captivated by the scene of a lamplighter busily lighting the streetlamps below. The nurse, worried about her fragile charge, beckoned him away from the frosty windowpane into the warmth of his bedroom. Her charge, the young Robert, resisted her bidding, insisting that he wanted to continue to watch the man who poked holes in the darkness.

Is it not Advent’s clarion call to spread light as we go about performing our daily duties? Each of us has the potential to be a "lamplighter," whether through kindness, compassion, or simply being present for others. The Advent season invites us not just to wait for the light but to actively participate in spreading it. How much brighter our neighborhoods would be if there were more “lamplighters” among us poking holes in the darkness.

You might be interested in reading the late Pastor Dr. Peter James Flamming’s sermon on Christian Life: Poking Holes in the Darkness.  

“The Light Shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:5

 -Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Paolo Nicolello @paul_nic/Unsplash