Life is a Journey

An Advent Reflection
by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

"During Advent opportunities for works of charity abound calling out for Christians from every side: a sack of food for a needy family, money dropped in a Salvation Army kettle, a donation to an Indian school, a toy for ‘Toys-for-Tots,’ etc. Unfortunately, these works of charity so easily can assuage the Christian conscience, while doing nothing to being about a solution to the root causes of the problem.

"Works of justice, on he other hand, follow the road less traveled of Advent’s hope to pursue solutions for difficult problems. Hope comes through works of justice rather than simply performing works of charity."

Here it is December 2008. We are each needy. Our communities are needy. Our world is needy.

For me, there is but one choice: take Advent to prepare for the birth of Jesus in my heart. As He has shown me in my journey towards health care justice, He provides in His time and His way. Have no doubts, my friends, God is control of our world.

In the spirit of Advent and Christmas, I will be focusing on my spiritual walk with God until the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2009. By quieting myself in this way, inspiration will flow as I await synchronicity, the manifestation of the right time, the right place and the right action.

Please return to Tuesday’s Tirades and Tales, on January 13, 2009. Have a blessed holiday season.