“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.”
—Luke 3:4

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. As we continue our journey towards Christmas and the joyful birth of Jesus, our Savior, we would like to share with you a special reflection about “light” from Sister Rosemary Moynihan, our board chair:

This year, as we celebrate Advent, we are experiencing a time of great polarization, natural and social strife. But it’s also a time of great hope. Despite whatever exists, there is always light, and it’s important to choose to live in the light.

That means choosing to live in love, service, justice, inclusion, and hope, over the alternatives of fear, defensiveness, emptiness, and isolation. To make a conscious choice, often in the midst of conflicted, dire circumstances. To live positively.

We are called to believe in the strength of light and the fullness of hope, and not to be fearful or overwhelmed by the darkness. To believe in the light wherever it is and from whoever it comes from. To seek it and respond as we are able. Our desire for absolute clarity — having all our ducks in a row, for perfection in our efforts — can hold us back from responding to needs.

We often live with shadows in life, faced with our own imperfections or limitations. But, as immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Leonard Cohen, “there is a crack in everything in creation, and to see that, that’s how the light gets in.” Jesus asks us to believe in humanity and in the presence of God among us – to believe that our efforts work unto good.

We are called to both be the light for others and to see the light in them, no matter what. To respond in any way we are able, to help lift the suffering of others no matter how difficult, overwhelming, or alien it may seem. To see situations as opportunities to be the light – through prayer, money or sharing our resources, presence and/or action – no matter how little we can do.

During Advent, let’s pray for God’s help in finding the light wherever it may be.

In grace and peace,
CMMB – Healthier Lives Worldwide

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