Advent

The Franciscans who operate AmericanCatholic.org offer a number of important resources, not the least of which is something called Catholic Update. If you have not had an opportunity to check this out, we recommend you go here to read Advent: Celebrating Promise, Joy, Hope by Kenneth R. Overberg, S.J.:

We are reminded that discipleship has a cost. The haunting figure of John the Baptizer now stands in our midst, leading us to ask: “What then shall we do?” His response still rings true (a message to be affirmed by Jesus): generous care for those in need, fairness in business practice, no violence. Advent themes suddenly present us with profound social, economic and political challenges. Issues of global poverty and hunger, corporate corruption, and national policies of war and nuclear arms become gospel concerns.

No hunger, no cheating, no violence. What a challenge for us and our society! Paradoxically, accepting this challenge of discipleship leads to authentic joy.