Christmas is an Invitation

Christmas is an invitation for each one of us

To be in our world what Jesus was for his world;

A beam of light in the midst of darkness,

A ray of hop in the midst of despair.

If Jesus is to be born into today’s world,

It must be through us.

We must be the beam of light,

In the midst of darkness.

We must be the ray of hope in the midst of despair.

To the extent that we need the invitation of Christmas,

To the extend will the world receive the gift of Christmas:

Peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

-Sister Mary Jo Fox, CSJ

IMAGES: Unsplash/Robert Thiemann, Tiard Schulz

The Peace Candle is Lit

Reflection for the Second Sunday in Advent: The Peace Candle is Lit.

“Comfort, O comfort my people, “ (Isaiah 40, 1-5)

Looking at the big picture right now, the world could use a little comfort. But alas, we wait. We “wait on the Lord” indefinitely for a time of peace. We also wait for times of personal peace in our own hearts and souls. The question is “ how do we find peace in our waiting?”

• waiting for the kettle to boil

• waiting for a baby to be born

• waiting for a loved one to die

• waiting for the pandemic to be over

• waiting to retire

• waiting for a healing

(think of the man who waited 40 years at the pool of Bethesda)

Image: Unsplash/Laura Nyhuis

On it goes. We wait and wait; sometimes with anticipation and hope, sometimes in fear and dread. Sometimes our waiting can wear us down. Our waiting can often be compared to a walk in the dark. We must go through the darkness day by day, to get to the light. But think of the times in your own life when the trial did end, you got the call, the illness was healed, the baby was born, retirement arrived and the light did come. Is there a lesson here? Is there a cycle here that faith can alleviate? In most cases, the answer is yes! Of course, sometimes there is no happy ending and we must accept the inevitable death of our dreams, hopes and expectations.

Image: Unsplash/Jonathan Meyer

For me, the most difficult wait is the one where fear takes over our usually rational mind. My equilibrium is upset. My racing thoughts won’t cease and my mind takes over. It is said that the ego must always find something to nag us about. This is the time where a regular spiritual practice is important to my wellbeing. It is possible to let go of the ego mind even if it is temporary. I can centre myself in God’s presence and I can find my affirmations one more time and remember to say them. One of my favourites is, “ Let us abandon ourselves Into the heart of LOVE, for LOVE’s grace abides wherever we are.” I believe that this is what John the Baptist is telling us when he says to “make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Make way for that space within myself where peace resides. Because it does reside in each of us. And so we pray, pray, pray.

And let us be comforted in hope by the words from Isaiah: “he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” Be comforted by the words in scripture and in the beautiful music that is available to us. And finally, St. Peter has some words of wisdom for us:

Image: Unsplash/Tamara Menzi

“ Therefore, Beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace.”

( 2 Peter 3, 8-14)

- Marg Maheu, Associate

Keep Alert. Keep Awake.

ADVENT I - An Advent Reflection on Mark 13: 33-37

(Advent Reflection on Mark 13:33-37)

Dear Jesus,

You came to us, so long ago, as a precious babe lying in a manger.  Shepherds and Magi, alert and awake to their surroundings, came to visit. 

Years later, thousands of others heard your messages, the greatest being, to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself.

At times, there were misunderstandings, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty or sick?”  You explained that whatever is done to the least of us, it is done to you. I believe that means you are always with us. 

Yet, you said, you will come again.

Since we do not know the day or time, you told us to always keep alert and awake.  This, however, is humanly impossible. Remember how you asked Peter and the sons of Zebedee to stay awake but they didn’t, not even for an hour?  You rebuked them, yet, continued to love them and forgave them.  Will you not do the same for us?  If that is so, then we need not worry.

We’ll try our best, Lord, to be awake and alert to the needs of others, to love one another and to love you.  We will, however, fall asleep, from time to time. When we do, may we, with each new awakening, rise up and start anew.

We do not know the future.  Thankfully, we believe and trust in your love and mercy.  For this, we are truly grateful.

As for the present, we will take your teachings to heart and strive to live in hope, peace, joy and love this advent season and all other seasons to come.

Amen.

Written by: Fernanda Estoesta, Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph 

33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” - MARK 13: 33-37

IMAGE: Unsplash/Waldemar