Mid-September I met a friend in a major department store in Chicago. Although it was over a month before Hallowe’en and two months before Thanksgiving, it was already festooned with, and was selling, Christmas items!

If stores were in Christmas mode then, it is not too soon for me to post about the spiritual preparations for Christmas that the Christian tradition calls “Advent,” from the Latin ad (to) venire (come). 

Advent resource focusing on Peace

Each year I offer a resource to help individuals and groups prepare for Christmas by placing the mystery of Incarnation (made into flesh) within the universe story and current realities. This year my Advent resource is “Paths to Peace.” The blurb on my Advent Resources site lists it as follows:

Advent.2018.Paths.to.Peace – 12 sides

Explore the meaning of peace in the light of justice and whole-making; the inner journey and consciousness; obstacles to inner and outer (world-wide) peace; and a final reflection on Mary and Eucharist. An additional page focuses on the obstacles to inner and outer peace created by current weaponry. Each week includes excerpts from the Sunday liturgical readings, times of silence, awareness of divinity living and acting within us and our world, and suggestions for the week. Useful for individuals but designed for groups.

This resource is available free at Advent.2018.Paths.to.Peace.

Pertinent dates before Advent related to arms, violence, and the unity that prevents war

October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognizing the need to collaborate in solving both sexual assault and domestic violence. 

Oct. 12: Indigenous Peoples’ Day, replacing Columbus Day (celebrated Oct. 8)

Oct. 24: UN Day and Global Oneness Day

Oct. 24-30: Disarmament Week 

Nov. 6: International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

Nov. 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Nov. 30: International Remembrance Day for Lost Species (cf. past grieving blogs)

Dec. 3: First Sunday of Advent 

Recommended resource

Did you know that Megan Rice, SHCJ, has been called “the biggest threat to our nuclear arms stockpile”? The following 15 min. interview with Megan shows her awareness of the threats of nuclear stockpiles, her total commitment to reducing them, and yet her ability to remain peaceful and respectful. Thanks for your actions for, and your example of, peace, Megan!

http://www.unabridgedpress.com/the-biggest-threat-to-our-nuclear-arms-stockpile-a-nun/

Suggested Action

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the sole and exclusive authority to declare war. Send a message to your senators asking them to co-sponsor S.3517, legislation that limits funding for active military operations in or against Iran. A few clicks can help to stop a war with Iran.