Give the Gifts of Loving Kindness, Prayerful Remembrance and Practical Help this Advent as You Prepare to Celebrate Birthing God Anew this Christmas by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

The first of four candles on the Advent Wreath is lit today to remind us of the holy season of preparation for Christmas. Meister Eckhart, a medieval mystic, reminds us we are called to be "mothers" of God in our world. 

"The only people who change, who are transformed, are people who feel safe, who feel their dignity, and who feel loved. When you feel loved, when you feel safe, and when you know your dignity, you just keep growing! That's what we do for one another as loving people- offer safe relationships in which we can change. This kind of love is far from sentimental; it has real power." Richard Rohr

Love is the most powerful force for good in the world. It enables us to forgive, heal, and transform our relationships and to live in harmony with everyone- even those who have harmed us. Our deepest spiritual reality is that we are loved beyond our wildest dreams every moment of our lives. Every cell of our bodies, ever particle in the cosmos is permeated by Divinity. As we breathe and live we can give birth to God everyday through loving kindness, prayerful remembrance and practical service.

 Today, I joined with my sisters and brothers from Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community to remember the missionary martyrs of El Salvador, Sr. Dorothy Kazel, Sr. Maura Clark, Sr. Ita Ford and Jean Donovan at the graveside of Jean Donovan at 5: 30PM We gave thanks for their courageous witness to justice and prayed that we may walk in their footsteps of selfless service, and advocacy for justice for all especially those most oppressed in our world. 

On Dec. 13th at 6PM, Gov. Scott has ordered the execution of Jose Jimenez.  I plan to contact Gov. Scott to ask him to suspend all executions beginning with Jose Jimenez. I invite you to contact Gov. Scott at 850- 488-7146 or email rick.scott@eog.myflorida.com

Pax Christi USA- Manasota Chapter will conduct a silent protest with signs along Beneva Rd. at 5:30PM, followed by a prayer service at 6PM.
All are welcome to join this action at St. Andrew UCC in Sarasota, Florida. I plan to be there to pray for Jose Jimenez and for all on death row as well as to continue to advocate for an end to the death penalty and the reform of the criminal justice system. 

On Friday, Dec. 14, at 6 PM at St. Andrew UCC, I plan to attend a vigil for all victims of gun violence sponsored by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence will be held. 

The Salvation Army Children's Toy Fund will be our MMOJ outreach for the month of December. In this season of giving, I pray that I may grow in awareness of how I can respond best to human needs that I encounter.

As we share our time, prayer, and resources, we give birth to Christ who comes to us in the sufferings of our sisters and brothers each day- not only at Christmas.  

This has always been the meaning of Christmas.

May you be blessed with many opportunities to give the gifts of loving kindness, prayerful remembrance and practical help. 

Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP