THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

With the approach of the third Sunday of Advent, I have been reflecting on the African practice of ubuntu. You may wonder, what is ubuntu?  Author, Mungi Ngomane says, “If we are able to see ourselves in other people, our experience in the world will inevitably be a richer, kinder and more connected one. If we look at others and see ourselves reflected back, we inevitably treat people better. In a nutshell. It recognizes the inner worth of every human being starting with yourself.”

Today, in Luke’s Gospel account, John the Baptist is shedding light on the practice of ubuntu which involves love of neighbor, love of self, honesty, charity etc. In the gospel scene, John is speaking to a crowd of diverse people. Some are seekers, others simply curious, some are soldiers and others tax collectors. On a few occasions, these characters ask John a question, “What should we do?”  His terse reply urges them to change their lives. Like ubuntu-living, John invites the crowd to embrace a shapeshifting call for justice-making and of giving away as much as possible so that everyone has enough to live on. These life-giving practices are what ubuntu and John’s message proclaim to a world so in need of self-love which then can pour out on the neighbor. Hopefully, appreciation and love will be reflected to the giver. 

Image: Jeremy Bishop/Unsplash

All of us have had experiences of holding up a light for another human being. Like John, paving the way forward for the Light to come, we continue our journey of living mystery and tending to the emergent so that generations to come may live in peace, harmony, and justice-making.

Remember, John’s questioners asked, “What can we do?”  There is always much we can do!  It is most often in least expected ways.  I am reminded of a quote from the Quran. “Whoever saves a human life shall be regarded as though they had saved all humankind.” Wow! The smallest act of love might be that one lifesaving gesture for someone sitting or standing in front of you! This is indeed ubuntu in action!

-Sister Linda Parent, CSJ

Reflection Day with the Catholic Women's League in Windsor

Linda Parent (CSJ) was invited to give a one-day reflection day with 52 CWL members in Windsor. She chose the theme water because the season of Lent offers fitting opportunities to reflect and meditate on the significance of water, especially during Holy Thursday celebrations as Christians re-enact the washing of the feet that took place in the upper room. There was water, a basin and a towel. It was Jesus the Christ that wore an apron and demonstrated by his action how we too must wash and dry each other’s feet. Think of how refreshing it was to have their feet washed in order to continue the journey of life!

Linda also gave a session on the Samaritan Woman at the Well. Again, the theme of water is used to symbolize transformation in a personal encounter between Jesus and the woman. This water is spoken of as Living Water. Jesus offered Living Water that provided the Samaritan Woman with a life altering experience! An experience that changed her forever. She runs to tell the townsfolk of her God-encounter and wonders… can this be the Messiah?

The third session involved a specific call to action and addressed U.N. Sustainable Developmental Goal #6 -- which is Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

CWL members learned about the global movement of forming Blue Communities -- and specifically this Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph Blue Community. They learned about the mounting pressures exerted upon water resources and millions of people lacking clean and safe drinking water. We looked at 3 significant beliefs that require global attention: Water is A Human Right, Water is A Sacred Gift, and Water as a Shared Commons.

Many suggestions were highlighted for reducing consumption of water, studying, visiting and cleaning up nearby watersheds, becoming more aware of and taking actions with the issue of bottled water, plastics and the subsequent environmental/ecological adverse effects placed upon Mother Earth.

The reflection day was a growth filling experience with an integrative process of experiencing sacred water from a spiritual/contemplative place to a place of advocacy where we desire to express compassion and care for millions and millions of people denied adequate and safe drinking water. To this end, CWL members continue to be active in matters of justice by sharing their time and efforts to make a difference in the world.

by Linda Parent, CSJ