Advent Prayer Experiences 2016 – Page 4

Daily Advent Prayer Experiences for 2016 by DailyGraces.net

December 16, 2016 – The Other

Published on December 15, 2016December 14, 2016 by Kate2 Comments

We’ve considered our individual relationships with creation, water and food and how they might change when we daily, intentionally invite Jesus into our everyday lives. These are things that humans cannot live without. We cannot live without creation around us, therefore the health of creation will directly impact our own health and wellbeing. We cannot live without water – it makes us 98% of our bodies! We cannot live without food, which fuels our body and gives us the sustenance necessary to function. There is one still more thing without which we will never to fully thrive:

Other People

When God made humans, well wait. Think about that. God made Adam – one human. But then, after naming all the animals, Adam still wasn’t satisfied. The companionship, the longing to share his life with another, could not be fulfilled by the animals. He needed an equal, a co-worker, to build a community with. Enter Eve.

This need to share life with another is found in the the one we are modeled after. We are made in the image and likeness of God. We know God is one God. But God is also three Persons, a unity or community in which no Person dominates over the others. Our desire for community finds its roots here.

Today, think about the communities you are a part of. If you are married, you and your spouse form a community. Add children, a larger community. Your parents and siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. Your work community, church community, craft community, volunteer community. All of these communities have a common point – you. So, while you pray today, pray for your communities. Ask God to show you what ways you can make your communities better and more life giving for all the members. Most importantly, make sure to ask God to show you who might be looking in on your communities, wishing to join or to be invited in. Your new coworker might enjoy a meal with your family. The new family down the street is looking for a church. Your uncle who you haven’t seen in awhile is able to make it to Christmas this year and you know that he is uncomfortable around x, y, or z family member (for whatever read). What can you do to ensure he feels welcome?

***Did you find anything interesting in your pantry? How has your shopping list changed, or has it? Please feel free to share your experience, thoughts and offer support to one another in the comments, on Twitter with the #DailyGraces or on the Facebook page.

December 15, 2016 – Considering Our Pantry

Published on December 14, 2016December 12, 2016 by Kate3 Comments

We’ve talked about creation and water. It probably isn’t surprising that next I would bring up food. According to Feeding America, approximately 70 billion pounds of food are wasted each year – and that’s just in America.

I’m not going to make this post very long, because so much of what was said the previous two days pertains to the issues of malnutrition, hunger and poverty. Today, I would like you to look in your pantry. I mean really look. What food do you have that you know you and your family are probably not going to eat? What is lurking in the back corners of your cupboards slowly expiring? What about those bananas that are overripe on the counter or the half an onion on the verge of molding in the refrigerator?

Now, what are you going to do about what you found? As you determine what to cook for dinner tonight, consider these quotes from Pope Francis:

Hunger is criminal; nourishment is an inalienable right. (10/28/14)

Consumerism has led us to become used to an excess and daily waste of food, to which, at times, we are no longer able to give a just value, which goes well beyond mere economic parameters. We should all remember, however, that throwing food away is like stealing from the tables of the poor, the hungry! (6/5/13, Environment)

***After reflecting on your perspective on the status of water, did you come up with any changes you would like to make in your life? Please feel free to share your experience, thoughts and offer support to one another in the comments, on Twitter with the #DailyGraces or on the Facebook page.

December 14, 2016 – A Precious Gift

Published on December 13, 2016December 12, 2016 by KateLeave a comment

Yesterday we talked about shifting our perspective when we invite Jesus into our lives on a daily basis. We can see how our relationship with creation can shift from manager to co-worker. Today and the days following we are going to look more closely at our relationships with some basic human needs to see how our invitation to Jesus could improve them.

Let’s start with water. I know it is Advent, but one of the key phrases of Lent, another liturgical season full of opportunities for active anticipation, is Jesus’ words from the cross “I thirst.” Many saints, including the recently canonized St. Mother Teresa, emphasize the importance of these words and dedicated their lives to satiating Jesus’ thirst for for the conversion of souls. This is indeed a right and true interpretation of these words. However, it is also important to see the other side, the literal side. Mother Teresa did this well. She recognized that in order for souls to be saved, the body should also to be nourished.

Jesus did as well. Before explaining about the Bread of Life, Jesus fed the crowd. Before forgiving sins He typically healed the individual’s body. His very first miracle was to refill everyone’s wine glasses at a wedding. Jesus was definitely concerned about the spiritual state of the Jewish people, but he was also very much in tune with their physical needs.

42,000 people each year die from poor water quality and the absence of adequate sanitation
2.6 billion people are without proper sanitation facilities
Each year, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene contribute to the deaths of 1.5 million children (statistics from World Hunger and Dehydration)

These are big statistics but important ones. While many of us in the United States may be shielded from the harsh realities of what it means to go without water, there is clearly a large portion of the world that lacks this basic necessity. Not only are we shielded, many of us are picky about our water. Bottled vs. tap. Flavored vs. natural. We invest in filtration systems, infusers and and specific brands. With so many without water, one has to wonder:

“Is clean water a basic human right or a product for sale?” (Horan, Daniel. God is Not Fair. (2016). pg 26.

That is the question I would like to leave you with for today. But before you ponder it and what implications your answer could have, be sure to say the Sign of the Cross and invite Jesus into your conversation.

***How did your list writing go yesterday? Are you seeing your relationship with creation in a new way? Please feel free to share your experience, thoughts and offer support to one another in the comments, on Twitter with the #DailyGraces or on the Facebook page.