Laudato Si quote
205. Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start, despite their mental and social conditioning. We are able to take an honest look at ourselves, to acknowledge our deep dissatisfaction, and to embark on a new path to authentic freedom. No system can completely suppress our openness to what is good, true and beautiful, or our God-given ability to respond to his grace at work deep in our hearts. I appeal to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignity which is ours. No one has the right to take it from us.
Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on this paragraph.
- How willing am I “to take an honest look at myself, to acknowledge my deep dissatisfaction, and to embark on a new path to authentic freedom”?
- How might Advent be a time to embrace such freedom, to be open to what is good, true and beautiful?
Justice for Immigrants
Title 42 must not be used against those seeking refuge; it uses COVID based fears as a reason to reject those seeking safety in the US. For more on Title 42 and the coalition of Catholic sisters’ response, read here. There is more information on Title 42 and action steps here. Take action here.
Las Posadas
Pray with others this year through this virtual Posadas, available by email or text, and available in both English and Spanish. Share this link with others! Click here to register for the texts or emails. There are action steps for addressing Title 42 there as well!
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Feast Day December 12
In almost all Marian apparitions, the message is the same: a reassurance that despite all odds, all difficulties, all illness, all struggles, in all places around the globe, we are held in the folds of her mantel and her protection as the Mother of God. From Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego:
"Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that disturbs you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing. Do not let your countenance, your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this sickness of your uncle or any other sickness, nor anything that is sharp or hurtful. Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you. Do not let your uncle's illness worry you, because he will not die now. You may be certain that he is already well."
Laudato Si Congregation Advocacy Action for the U.S.
U.S. Advocacy Action: Methane is a greenhouse gas 86 times more powerful than Carbon Dioxide. The EPA has taken steps to curb methane but the plan needs to include frequent inspection of oil and gas lines. Please remind the EPA to take this important step. Click here.
Climate Change/Laudato Si
Blue Triton, formerly Nestlé, was recently granted permission to extract and bottle billions of litres of groundwater from Ontario, enough groundwater to fill as many as 14 billion plastic bottles. The plastic bottles are devastating enough to the environment, but access to clean water as a commodity to be controlled for those who can afford it must be stopped. To learn more and take action against Big Water, click here.
Climate Crisis As A Spiritual Path
In this video Joanna Macy speaks beautifully about how to live with inner peace, even while being aware of some of the unprecedented – and often overwhelming – global challenges we face today.
Dismantling Racism
Please read the post in the JPIC Advent Reflections which focuses this week on Racism and Children. It can be accessed here.
Partnership in Haiti
Water is Life! Providing the people of Lagonav with access to water has been a particular focus of the SSND-Beyond Borders Partnership. Please read about the water catchment system project on Lagoanv here. Reflect on the testimonies of the women whose lives have been changed by access to water, and the privilege of clean water in your own life.
Dismantling Racism and Justice for Immigrants
Consider also these reflections for Advent and Christmas, “Seeking Light: A Journey with Black Migrants” for the intersection of race and migration. Great reflections through Epiphany, video links, and very accessible. To view the reflections in a pdf, click here.
End Human Trafficking
Learn more about Men and Human Trafficking in this webinar “Trafficking of Males: The Silent Victims” sponsored by the US Sisters Against Human Trafficking on December 14th at 1:00 p.m. To register and for more information, click here.
