It was Saturday morning, the day before the First Sunday of Advent. The usual impressive size crowd was at the 6 AM Mass. The priest was giving the homily in which he was reminding everyone that the Church year would begin the next day. In the course of his words he mentioned the name of Jesus. Two seats in front of me the older man nodded his head, ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly
The Season of Advent is upon us. A time of expectant waiting and preparation to celebrate the coming of Christ and to reflect on the nativity of Jesus. Stories of refugees and migrants have dominated the news in recent years. Their plight parallels the nativity story. Mary, Jesus and Joseph were refugees fleeing from violence as so many do today within their own countries or to other countries. I invite you to read the prayer below and sit with the words. What is your response when God asks, “Will you let me in?” Do you hear the cry of the poor in our world today when they ask, “Will you let me in?”
At the heart of every vocation is the recognition of our dignity and the ideal that caring for each other is caring for God. We are bound by a common Creator, a loving God who asks all of us to be that love for others . . .
Each of us embodies the love of God in our time and place. Silences, action, mistakes, missteps, distractions, choices, attitudes, are all included in our path to holiness. The whole of our life, all the ups and downs, emerge as our reflection of Jesus Christ in the world today. By Sister Peggy Ryan, O.P. commenting on Pope Francis’ Gaudete Et Ex sultate, Rejoice and be Glad.
Question for reflection:
How do I embody the love of God today with the people living and working in my current context?
Rebecca McKenna, CND with members of the Vocation/Formation Committee