Advent meditation from the Ministry of Arts

This ministry provided the beautiful prayer cards for the Gather Us in Conference. Here is a devotion I received from them for Advent.

The mention of Advent always stirs thoughts of waiting. . .

waiting for Christmas.

We Theologians always speak of reflecting on the three ways of Christ's coming:

in history in Bethlehem,

in the daily events of our lives, and the second coming in the future.

I've been thinking that we've got it all wrong.

We need not wait for God. God is always present, always with us. That's what the name Emmanuel means: God-with-us.

And, that's the primary truth we hear in the Scriptures.

God created us, and calls us into relationship.

God is indeed present with us, and especially in the person of Jesus the Christ.

No, this Advent, I've come to see that it's GOD who waits for US. . .

. . .waits for us to notice that we are indeed created by God.

We are born with unique gifts and qualities

as well as deficiencies and lack of qualities.

God only sees our goodness, and waits for us to notice too.

. . .waits for us to notice the myriad ways

in which God is with us, always.

We know the Creator in the beauty and amazing capacities of creation, both earth and human.

We know the Creator when we experience love.

We know the Creator when we can not explain or understand mystery.

. . .waits for us to notice when we observe people acting in the image of God:

in covenant with one another, both those known and unknown,

both those alike and those very different.

. . .waits for us to notice the emptiness in our hearts

that can only be filled by God's own Self.

. . .in the season of Advent, as Christmas approaches,

God waits for us to notice the wonder and innocence of little children

How God must long for us grownups to be more like them, without guile.

It is true that in Advent we wait; but really, it is God who waits for us.

May we savor and revel in that reality.

Sallie Latkovich, CSJ

The above reflection by Sallie Latkovich is the opening to "Winter's Wisdom," our annual Advent booklet featuring Scripture readings and reflections for each day of the season.

Click here to for more information:

Winter's Wisdom 2009

Art: "Visitation" by Mary Southard, CSJ

The artist's reflection on the image:

"When we engage with one another, the Spirit is ignited and we are enlivened. The figures surrounding "Mary and Elizabeth" represent people from many cultures with whom we are always in relationship, in communion. Notice that a "chalice" has been created where the central figures are joined. . ."

Ministry of the Arts is a non-profit ministry sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph. Your purchases also help to support our missions and ministries. Thank you!

Catholic Free Press covers the Gather Us In 2009 conference

Lessons from great women

By Tanya Connor

WORCESTER – The room darkened.

A film showed a man telling how a woman asked him to photograph her with another man.

Who was that other man?

“His brother killed my brother,” the woman said. “It’s OK.”

“I just about lost it,” recalled the photographer, “because it’s not OK.” read the rest of the story here . . .

See pictures from the conference here

See pictures from our recent Gather Us In 2009 Conference

Just a short note to say that pictures from the Gather Us In 2009 conference are on the Commission for Women website. There are 3 pages of pictures. Video is coming soon from Worcester Cable TV.

Here are some comments from participants:

I just wanted to thank you, I went to the Woman’s Conference on Saturday this was my first time but it will not be the last time. I was very moved by the keynote speakers and left there exhausted but encouraged. These women had lots of courage, in the face of adversary it made me realize with the help of God we can all survive what we endure in our lives. God bless you and those involved. See you in 2 yrs.
Geri, East Brookfield, MA

Thank you for your hard work planning and carrying out this conference... Paula and Immaculee were incredible witnesses... I attended a retreat directed by Paula and was quite familiar with her story, but each time I hear it, or read it, I come away with something new... I had read Immaculee's story, but seeing her in person was such an inspiration and a privilege...
Lin, Cranston, RI

I'm in a woman's book group----met last evening----(11 of us ) and talk about our experiences at the Gather Us In day.
The most heartwarming emotional feelings for all of us was the spirit energy of being amongst over 800 women all in one room-----and the deep soul message of two beautiful
spirited women on there inner journey to wholeness.

Blessed are you
woman of wisdom
enfolding,--unfolding
mystery and myth
revealing truth and light
for all who yearn
to call themselves free.

Rachel, Holden, MA

A lovely reflection for Thanksgiving

Gratitude . . . the sweetest of all the practices . . .
mindfulness of gratitude leads to a direct experience of being connected to life . . .
to the realization that there is a larger context in which your personal story is unfolding.

Cultivating thankfulness for being part of life
blossoms into a feeling of being blessed . . .
an appreciation for the interdependent nature of life . . .
being consciously grateful to family, friends, teachers, benefactors and to all
who have come before you who have made it possible for your existence
to be comfortable, informed, and empowered.

Gratitude elicits feelings of generosity . . . creating further joy . . .
softening a heart . . . building the capacity for forgiveness . . .
meeting life with an open heart . . . in each moment as it arises.


Wishing you a Happy Thanks-Giving . . .

___________________________________________________

Art: "Autumn Colors" by Pat Willems, CSJ
Reflection excerpt: "Selfless Gratitude" by Phillip Moffitt

Ministry of the Arts is a non-profit ministry sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph.
This ministry provided the beautiful prayer cards for the Gather Us In 2009 conference.