Spirited Reflection: Where there is darkness, be light
Advent is a time to pause and reflect on the action of God in our lives. It is both an opportunity and a challenge to set aside the busyness of this time of the year and pay attention to the deepest longings of our hearts.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. (O Antiphon, December 21)
Our immersion in the tragedies that unfold before our very eyes each day can preoccupy us, unsettle us and cause us to feel powerless in the face of it all. Yet, staying in touch with our longings and building relationships with the other, energizes us to realize that each of us can do something, however small, to bring hope into the darkness.
Where there is darkness, be light.
A recent experience of a visit from three of the KAIROS Partners had a profound effect on Sisters in my community who live in a retirement residence. Being in relationship for only a few hours with Tarek from Palestine, Alexandra from Colombia and Anie from the Philippines touched us deeply. This short time with them broadened our horizons and drew us into the realities of the bigger world. A few days later, one of the Sisters asked, “How can we help?” This simple question resulted in an invitation to the whole community to contribute to a fund to assist our visitors in their work to bring a ray of light into the struggle for justice among their people.
Where there is darkness, be light.
Relationships matter. How can I develop relationships with the people of God no matter where I live? Who are my neighbours that make relationship-building possible? How does the longing of my heart for a better world invite a response from me? How might my reflection lead me to take one small step to alleviate someone’s loneliness, fulfill a need for shelter, food and fun.
Those who may not be in a position to respond personally are invited to be in touch with their heart’s longing and to pray a blessing on those who come to mind from anywhere in our suffering world.
Where there is darkness, be light.
KAIROS continues to bring light to some of the darkest places in our world. In doing so, you enable all of us to be Advent people, for which we are grateful!
KAIROS is grateful for Fay Edmonds, gsic, serving as the past Chair of the KAIROS Steering Committee; and also as one of the Canadian Religious Conference Representatives on the Steering Committee 2014-2018. She is currently a member of the leadership team in her Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception community. We have been very grateful for her contribution and dedication on the Steering Committee and in continuing to promote the mission of KAIROS.
