LISTENING Listening is an act of love that goes beyond hearing words. “Mary was greatly moved when she heard these words and wondered what the greeting meant.” (Lk 1:26-38) Mary listened; she allowed herself to be touched by the message that the angel transmitted to her from God. Listening implies letting the other speak, allowing …
GOOD NEWS We are tired of bad news, wars, violence against children. Christmas is the best news because God continues to make life fruitful and comes to live with us. “I am Gabriel, I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.” (Lk.1:5-25) The angel announces that something new …
JUSTICE When tracing the meaning of the word justice, words such as righteousness, equity, right, living honestly appear. Psalm 71 tells us: “In his days let justice flourish and peace abound eternally.” Will Christmas be the same for everyone? Will everyone have what they need? Will there be dinner on all tables? Will all children …
THE MANGER For Christians, the manger is the depiction of the birth of Jesus, of the love of God in the smallness of a child. “Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus, called Christ, was born.” (Mt 1:1-17) Let us contemplate each of these characters: Joseph, the man of contemplative silence; Mary, …
HUMILITY Humility is a quality that allows us to recognize ourselves in what we are and have: values and limitations. It implies valuing and welcoming the experiences of others, fostering authentic relationships and mutual respect. “The Lord teaches his way to the humble.” (Ps.24:4-9) Advent is a time of humility and smallness. When putting together …
PRAYER Praying is not easy, much less during this consumerist season. Praying is not easy when our hope is threatened by wars and injustices. But He tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28-30) Let us pray for one another, let us insistently …
PREPARATION Advent, a special time to prepare for the solemnity of Christmas. Every party is prepared with thousands of details; guest list, décor, food, sparkling lights, great music, but what about the heart? “A voice cries out In the wilderness ‘prepare a way for the Lord’.” (Isaiah 40:1-11) Let us listen to the cry of …
FORGIVENESS We are moving forward on the path of Advent, a propitious time to forgive. “When he saw their faith, He said, ‘Your sins are forgiven’.” (Lk. 5:17-26) Sin paralyzes life and the heart. How many grudges we hold and how readily they lock us up in our selfishness! It is time to return to …
LIGHT The lights have already been placed in the houses and in the streets, the ornaments have been dusted off and the homes are decorated for a party. In the manger there is a special place reserved for Jesus, the Light that conquers the darkness. “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” (Ps.26) He …
TRUST We live in complex times; it seems that the storms of life want to bring us down. In these days leading up to Christmas, we are invited to trust in God’s promises, something good is about to happen; “Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord is the perpetual rock.” (Isaiah 26:1-6) His Word …
