Fourth Week of Advent
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December 22, 2008 |
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Dear Education for Justice Members,
As you enter this final week of Advent, with Christmas rapidly approaching, may your preparations be complete, may you be surrounded by family and friends, may your travel be free of delays, and may you find time to celebrate the quiet joy of God's indwelling peace and grace.
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas,
The Education for Justice Team |
Advent Reflection: Week Four
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A Census, A Journey and A Change of Plans
This reflection for the fourth week of Advent invites us to
look at the disruptions and detours in our lives. These come in many forms
including economic, social and political disruptions. This four-page resource
includes a reflection on Luke 2:1-5, reflection questions, prayer, and a case
study for discussion. How do we recognize God's divine plan unfolding in our
lives when disruptions create divisions and detours?
Go to resource
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Prayer: "The Work of Christmas"
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
-Howard Thurman
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Lectionary Reflection: Christmas
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 In the mass at Midnight, we hear in the works of Isaiah: "For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed." The values of the new born child smash the values of consumerism, greed, and fear. Christmas calls us to see things in a new way. We are called to see the salvation of God in a homeless child rather than in wealth, consumption, power, honors, or status of any sort. We are called to create a world based on the values of this child. Go to resource |
Pope's World Day for Peace Messages
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 At the threshold of a New Year
Each year, the pope issues a statement for January 1 known as his 'World Day for Peace' message. This year's message is titled: "Fighting Poverty to Build Peace." To read and reflect on this year's statement and the previous years' statements see the link below.
Go to resource
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Film Discussion Guide: The Visitor
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 Immigration and Hospitality
The story of Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay in Bethlehem is a story about hospitality or its lack, and of finding no room in the inn. This film is a modern take on this timeless story told through the lens of immigrant experience in a post 9/11 world. The film discussion guide includes a synopsis, connections to Catholic social teaching themes, discussion questions, links and more.
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Situation in Congo
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 Message of the Holy See
In a message released on Thursday, December 11, 2008, the Holy See condemns the large-scale occurrence of serious violations
of human rights and of humanitarian law in Congo. It deplores the recruitment of
children and adolescents as soldiers. It is alarmed by the many cases
of torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, including
the frequent occurrence of sexual violence against women and girls by
all parties to the conflict. The international community needs to act
swiftly in the face of these grave infringements of human rights.
Go to prayer for the people of Congo
Go to statement
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