“Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart because the Lord’s coming will be soon.” Jas 5
“Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees” Is 35
3rd Week of Advent
“Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart because the Lord’s coming will be soon.” Jas 5
“Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees” Is 35
Let us continue preparing “to live Christmas differently”.
Peace
Some questions
- To what extent am I informed about the conflicts in the world and around me?
- How have I tried to analyse them to discover their underlying causes and the motivations of persons and groups involved?
Proposals for action
- I will take the opportunity at Christmas to “make peace” with those of my family and entourage with whom I have differences.
- I will try to make lasting improvements in my relationships by training myself, if necessary, in listening or non-violent communication.
- I will support or join an organisation that opposes violence in the world (Amnesty International, Peace Movement ...)
Justice
Some questions
- What situations seem to me to be unjust in today’s society? What is justice for me?
- Am I aware of the reforms taking place in the area of justice?
- How do I reflect on the issues of immigration, travellers who are seeking to make sense of things, and avoiding any confusion?
Proposals for action
- I will give material and moral support to those in my neighbourhood who are in difficulty (unemployment, poor accommodation, illness, old age ...), especially at Christmas, by giving time or money to organisations that support them.
- Every person has the right to dignity, including prisoners: at Christmas, especially, they need moral support. I can help by joining with those who organise parcels to be sent to those in prison or enabling them to send presents to their children. Throughout the year I can become a prison visitor.
- I will help or join a group or organisation that helps immigrants and undocumented people.
- To combat inequalities between rich and poor in my own country and throughout the world I will join or support financially an organisation whose aim is to end these injustices.