“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”

~from Mark 13:33, the first Sunday of Advent, December 3

In her opening reflection in this year’s Advent booklet, Sr. Norma Pimentel writes: “As we begin Advent, we are called to be watchful and alert. We are called to ask ourselves, ‘Could it be we have wandered from God’s ways? Have our hearts hardened, that we fear not the absence of God’s presence in our life?‘ …

“The social injustices of our time are real. It is the result of an indifferent and detached society that fails to be mindful of God’s ways – a God who is inclusive and compassionate and who demands a response from us.

“Take time this Advent to be alert. Be vigilant that you do not wander off from God’s way. Rather than being seduced by the evils of the world that easily invade our minds and hearts and pull us away from God, look instead for ways to respond to the injustices of our time.“

We hope that Sr. Norma’s reflections help you as you spend quiet time over the next few weeks preparing for the Incarnation, for the arrival of Christ among us. We hope they they give comfort and guidance, and that they help deepen the sense of community you feel with your fellow Pax Christi members.

REFLECTIONS FOR SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS

Below you’ll find reflections selected from this year’s Advent-Christmas reflection booklet as well as others from a variety of authors of past reflection booklets. Reflections for each Sunday will be posted several days in advance, with Holy Days and other days of observance throughout Advent and Christmas posted regularly as well. We’ll also be sending our weekly Advent emails directly to your inbox if you’re subscribed to our listserv. (Click here to sign up if you are not already subscribed.) 

PRAY-STUDY-ACT DURING ADVENT

Each week, we’ll be crafting a special Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin (PSA) with resources for us all to use and to act on in common. 

COMMUNITY ADVENT GATHERINGS (VIRTUAL)

  • PAX Mass for December, Thursday, December 21 at 8 PM ET. Join us as we celebrate the Eucharist in solidarity with those in the Holy Land who are suffering because of the war in Gaza, heeding Cardinal Pizzaballa’s request that during this time of war, we “focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas” and forego any “unnecessarily festive activities.” We encourage one another to “advocate, pray, and contribute generously … for the relief of the victims of this war and for those in dire need,” as the Cardinal has asked. Our celebrant will be Fr. Peter Dougherty, Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace, who has been to Gaza and the West Bank over a dozen times, accompanied IDF-targeted communities there, and blocked home demolitions in Palestine. Find the link to the program for the Mass here.

PAX CHRISTI YOUNG ADULT CAUCUS ADVENT RETREAT

On Saturday, December 16, the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus will be hosting a mini-Advent retreat online. We’ll gather on Zoom from 12-3:30 PM ET/9 AM-12:30 PM PT for individual and collective reflection.

If you have any questions, please contact to the PCYAC leadership team at PCYAC@PaxChristiUSA.org. 

ADVENT-CHRISTMAS GIVING

Our Advent-Christmas appeal is our end-of-the-year appeal, and we are delighted to have a special message from Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ ….. We appreciate any extra support you can give as our movement grows! If you have the means, we hope you’ll click here and make a special gift to the Advent-Christmas appeal.

To read the entire appeal letter from Sister Helen, click here. And thank you!

MORE ADVENT RESOURCES…

Prayer
Study
Action