Reflection
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.
Isaiah 40:1
Comfort reassures and gives strength and hope. It is in the Advent message of hope that in spite of it all, a better time is evolving, As people of this earth we are far from the union we share within the Source of Life. Division and conflict are constant among us. They are present in all that touches us, physical needs, spiritual confusion, political division, wars, and natural disasters. Because of us, even the innocent creatures and the earth itself are suffering. Yet, we believe that all is still one in the Creator God who desires the good of all.
Prayer
May we be voices of comfort crying in the wilderness of our times for the equality and empowerment of all people.
Action
In my daily interactions how can I comfort the comfortless, comfort the broken, comfort the hurting? How can I do this in the public arena by working to build a better world?
Suggested Reading
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Isaiah 40:1-2
Now all glory to God, who is able, through mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Let yourselves be consoled in the Lord.
Pope Francis
We see our charism of love of God and union with all neighbors as consistent within the context of our times and recommit ourselves to Jesus’ mission to bring about God’s reign. We seek to promote justice, be faithful to lives of non-violence and respond to the needs of women and other persons who are poor.
Sisters of St. Joseph Direction Statement Chapter 2011
The past speaks to us in a thousand voices, warning and comforting, animating and stirring to action.
Felix Adler
Love does not cost anything. Kind words and deeds do not cost anything. The real beauty of the world is equal for everyone to see. It was given by God equally to all, without restrictions.
Carle Jo Masterson
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.
Joel A. Barker