“People will stop seeking war because they will seek a knowledge of the Word of God instead. A passion for God will supplant blood-thirst. It will no longer be about war, but human kindness.”
“Walk slowly knowing that at the end we will be met by Jesus’ beginning. Advent brings us to the depths of darkness so that when the light enters, we can do nothing else but be drawn into its beauty.”
“It is the beginning of the journey to the Cross, and to the Ascension, and to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the circle of the year where we can live over and over again the life of Jesus, of our Christ, our Savior, trying to grow ever more like him, ever closer to God our Father/Mother, ever closer to the peace of Salvation.”
“Groaning with our Lord over images of caged children, starving, homeless families, incarcerated young men who did not commit the crime with which they were charged — this is being awake.”
“Andrew became a missionary to Greece and Asia Minor, possibly including parts of Russia and Poland. He was martyred in the city of Patras, Turkey, by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, called a saltaire, which became one of his more customary symbols. Following his death, his relics were gathered and hidden as per a dream given to St. Regulus, who did as the vision commanded.”
“She spoke out as a pacifist, as an advocate for those who suffered oppression, as a passionate interpreter of the Gospel of Jesus who cares deeply for the poor.”
“May we remember as we gather around our family tables those who have no table, and in unity with them rededicate ourselves to alleviating hunger and poverty within this land and act on that priority within our common life. May we welcome the stranger and the refugee to the table alongside us, that we may give thanks unfeignedly, exercising gratitude as a spiritual practice that excludes no one.”
Sinking statues of Jesus is, it turns out, a niche but profound tradition spread around the seabeds of the earth; a reminder that there is no place beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy.
“In our homes help us to open our doors, extend our tables, open our hearts, embrace with open arms all who come, and teach us to be relentless in our welcome.”
“We are so much like the Early Church, and we are struggling and making the same mistakes. But we are exhorted to be humble, be like those little children whom Jesus cherished and used as an example. Love one another and avoid malice and envy and pride and all those other very human things. Be holy.”