The Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is rich with meaning for Christians.  It helps us consider where we find Christ in our midst.  Are we prepared to open our eyes to see Christ in the poor and the least powerful in our society? It also asks us to reflect on how we discover Christ being birthed within each of us.  Are we attentive to nurturing that spark within us that is from God; that seed of life that is meant to be born by us individually; that is a gift from God for the world; something unique, that we each have to offer in our own way?  It is necessary that each of us take time to reflect on this call. This precious gift that may manifest itself differently as we find ourselves at different stages in our lives, is nonetheless ours to give, through God’s grace working in us.

However, what caught my imagination in this Sunday’s Gospel was Joseph; dear Joseph, who must have been completely bewildered and disappointed upon discovering his future bride was already pregnant.  And yet (with some persuasion from an angel) was willing to support and love Mary, and Jesus, as his family – contradicting the norms of society and his own reason. Joseph offered Mary a home, a community, in which she could give birth to Emmanuel, thereby fulfilling God’s plan.

This calls me to reflect on the importance of community in our lives.  Who do we spend our time with?  Who challenges us and encourages us to discover Christ within us?  Who supports us as we birth Christ in our daily lives?  And, of equal importance – how do we support and nurture others so that they can discover Christ within themselves individually and as a community of faith?  How do we react when people share with us what they believe to be true. Are we dismissive?  Do we challenge them immediately?  Or do we walk with them, and help them to unpack that truth more fully.

In a world that has become increasingly private, I have been profoundly moved and inspired in my ministry by a pretty incredible group of young adults who have come together this year.  They are at different points in their lives—some are students, some are just starting careers—but they share a bond through their faith.  I’m inspired as I observe the care, concern and gentle love that they have for one another.  They share ideas, and wonderings about their individual journeys. They call one another to authenticity, and they support one another as they discover their unique gifts. They listen to one another and God speaking through the other.

This type of community of faith is important for each of us as we discern, and birth Jesus in our hearts. Perhaps we can spend some time this advent season reflecting on not only on where Christ is in our own hearts, but on how we support and foster relationship with those we encounter – recognizing that Christ is also present there. How do we listen to God’s word together?

- Annette Donovan Panchaud, Associate, The Sisters of St. Joseph

Write for Rights #W4R19

Every year the Sisters gather together, take pen to paper, and participate in the Write for Rights.  Next Tuesday the Sisters of St Joseph will gather once again. We feel great action happens when people gather together. This is such an important and wonderful way to talk about serious issues - and take ACTION! 

Every year around   International Human Rights Day on December 10th, hundreds of thousands of people around the world send a letter or an e-mail on behalf of someone they’ve never met. 

Join Amnesty International for Write for Rights.

This year, all 10 global cases will focus on young people under the age of 25 who are a leading force for change. 

Justice for Grassy Narrows

This year, Amnesty International is highlighting a case right here in Canada, of youth from Asubpeeschoseewagong (“Grassy Narrows First Nation”) who are fighting for justice in the face of 50 years of mercury poisoning in their community.

Because of government inaction, generations of young Indigenous people have grown up with devastating health problems and the loss of their cultural traditions. It’s time for the government to keep its promise to deal with the mercury crisis “once and for all” so that young people can grow up in a healthy and thriving community.

Get to know some of the youth from Grassy Narrows and hear what makes their community special to them. 

Learn more at www.writeathon.ca/grassynarrows.

Taken from the Amnesty International website    https://writeathon.ca/

THE POWER OF WOMEN

“As a child, I never went to school. Being a poor woman, I was shy and scared to go out of my house. I did not know anything about the outside world. I thought that people might laugh at me or tease me if I go out. I did not know my rights, nor my role in the society. This was my life.”

These words come from Sita Lakshmi. She grew up in the village of Guggila in South-East India. In Guggila, women have little possibilities for personal growth and achievements.

Would you believe Sitha Lakshmi got elected in January 2019 as village mayor?

Here is her story:

15 years ago, Sita Lakshmi joined SOPAR’s Women Program. She recalls:

“I started to attend monthly group meetings and to do small savings. I participated in all the planned activities and skills trainings. With SOPAR’s adult literacy summer classes, I even learned how to read and write. Slowly but surely, I started to feel the change within me. I became brave. I started opening to others. I felt the desire to share my opinions on different subjects. I wanted to improve our living conditions”.

“Some years ago, women members motivated me to become the leader of our women’s group. I accepted the challenge. Then, they encouraged me to run for village council member. To my surprise, I got elected. This experience gave me good knowledge about the village council. And so, I stood for our mayor elections in January 2019 with the encouragement of my family and friends. During the campaign, many people in the village talked negatively about me. How can I even think I could win this election- they laughed and asked? They tried to make me feel as I was worthless. In those moments, I remembered SOPAR’s teachings. To think positively and to know my rights. That women can achieve many great things in life and give service to others in need. I stood strong. I tried not to be influenced by the negative words and… I got elected.”

At SOPAR, we aim to empower rural poor, illiterate and marginalized women like Sita Lakshmi. This requires bringing changes not only in women’s minds and hearts. It also requires changes at the root of unjust systems. It is a very ambitious goal by no means, but we have been pursuing it for more than 40 years now.

Empowering women takes time and commitment, but it works! A total of 147 members of our women program got elected in the 2019 election either as village leader, village leader assistant or council member. These women will continue transforming their village and the Indian society.

Our work is made possible because of the continued and generous support of many donors including the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada. Together, we make this world a better place for all. On behalf of Sitha Lakshmi, thank you Sisters!

 - Janice Aubry, Program Manager