DOMINICAN LAITY Newsletter #19 December 2011   Dear Friends     A daily dose of Dominican preaching http://word.op.org Today our parish priest, preaching on the beginning of Mark’s gospel which begins with the challenge that John the Baptist gave to the people of his time, made the point that whereas Lent is an easy season to know what to do with, Advent is much ore demanding. Because if we are to celebrate the coming of the Son of God into the world of creation and into our lives, we have to prepare ourselves – not in a wishy-washy way but making a real effort. He asked if we could really expect to celebrate Christmas while we look about us and see poverty in our midst, and people without faith to support them, and children dying from famine. John’s message to the people who flocked to see him at the Jordan was: Be prepared to change things, to make this world a better place, so that we can respond generously to the coming of the Messiah. In this Advent season may we recall our baptism by water and open ourselves to the baptism of the Spirit. And may we celebrate the time of Christmas with our families, our communities, our world with joy and hope. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2011: ANNUS TRISTIS It has indeed been a year of sadness for the sisters, who have seen seven loved members of their congregation die Some reflections on the lives of departed sisters follow. Our thanks
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