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Third Week of Advent, Dec. 11-17, 2011
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Greetings of peace!
We're very happy to see that these Advent PSA (Pray-Study-Act) e-bulletins seem to be resonating with folks on the email list. Over 3,000 people are checking out the resources included in these emails and posted on the website each week. During the next week, we'll also send out to you reflections for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) on their respective feast days. Today's PSA is for next week, the Third Week of Advent, Dec. 4-10.
 | | St. Nicholas |
Today, the feast day of the real St. Nicholas, has always been a day we observe in my family. When my kids were younger, we wanted to share with them the tradition and legend of St. Nicholas, from which the popularized version Santa Claus arose. In Robert Ellsberg's wonderful book, All Saints, he concludes the entry on St. Nicholas with this:
"Well does (St. Nicholas) deserve to be the patron of children, and well might they delight in his name. But he might be remembered not only as the jolly source of toys and treats but also as the protector of those whose lives and innocence remain threatened today--as they were in the time of St. Nicholas--by violence, poverty, and exploitation."
May St. Nicholas be a witness for you and your loved ones as we reflect on the meaning of this season. For more reflections and resources throughout this Advent season, click here to visit our Advent resource page on the website. Thanks!
In peace,
Johnny Zokovitch
Director of Communications, Pax Christi USA
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| PRAY: Dec. 11, Third Sunday of Advent | | |
By Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, OP, Ph.D.
Is 61:1-2a, 10-11 | 1 Thes 5:16-24 | Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
"Do not quench the Spirit!" (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Joy is the central theme of today's three readings. The followers of Isaiah profess the source of their joy. "I rejoice heartily in Yahweh, in my God is the joy of my soul" (Isaiah 61:10). Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul concludes his letter by admonishing the community to "rejoice always...pray without ceasing...and in all circumstances give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Those who live in communion with God know a profound sense of joy that is not disturbed by the conflicts and anxieties of life. Furthermore, this joy is not a worldly joy rooted in economic wealth, the abundance of material possessions, or the acquisition of power and fame. Rather it is a joy attributed as a "fruit of the Holy Spirit." While awaiting the fullness of the Reign of God promised by Jesus, the followers of Christ, who have been anointed by chrism in baptism and confirmation, are empowered by the Spirit to participate in the works of Jesus. They are "to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive" [those imprisoned physically as well as those entangled in sin and all that oppresses] (Luke 4:18).
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STUDY: Windows and Mirrors -
Reflections on the War in Afghanistan
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From the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Sometimes images can say so much more than words ever could. The following link is to a video of images created by artists and children affected by the war in Afghanistan. It was sent to us to share with you from John Zemblidge of Pax Christi Arizona. Thank you John.
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ACT: War Toys Leaflet
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Each year, Pax Christi Queens (NY) produces a leaflet to pass out and share with shoppers encouraging them to give thought to the kinds of toys they will purchase for children this holiday season. The leaflet begins:
The Christmas season is upon us. It is a time for celebrating the birthday of the Prince of Peace. In His name, we extend greetings of peace and give gifts, especially to children. How wonderful it would be if we could give our children the gift of peace! But to give peace, we must be peace, and that is something we learn as we grow. As Juan Elias Uribe said, to have a nonviolent adult, we must cultivate nonviolence in our children.
Let's begin with the gifts we give this holiday season.
You can download a copy of this leaflet from Pax Christi USA's Advent resource page by clicking here. It is listed under the "Resources" heading. It is in Microsoft Word format so you can edit it to fit your circumstances, share your group's information, etc. Use it to leaflet at your local mall, post at your parish, share with your local schools (especially Catholic schools). There is also posted on the page a letter to the editor that you can consider downloading and personalizing. Thanks Pax Christi Queens!
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