8 December. Advent Sunday 2C.  Repentance. Two candles are lit on the Advent wreath and we pray.  Audrey and Josh had struggled with independence issues in their marriage which had become quite abusive, until they participated in a hurting marriage programme and learned and used a dialogue technique through which they were able to deal with the problems. Leading a small group they explained that a similar technique was introduced by Pope Francis through the recent Synodality gatherings in Rome which became known as “Conversations in the Spirit.”  Some of their small group had experienced violence and sexual abuse.  Josh shared how they had also benefited from being involved in the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children.  Audrey shared that it wasn’t just a women’s issue but something they as a couple had to work through, by sharing their feelings and learning conflict resolutions skills. The group discussion time that followed brought out that domestic violence is often a question of power and noted the importance of offering this type of dialogue resource in the community.  “It has really brought back joy into our marriage,” they agreed as they hugged each other and smiled. “A loving physical touch is also an expression of power!”     

Scripture:  God is my witness how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment so that you may approve what is excellent. Phil 1:1-11.  John went into all the regions of the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  Luke 3:1-6.  Pope Francis. Climate change is a global issue and is intimately related to the dignity of human life. Our concern goes beyond an ecological approach, because our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately bound together.  We need to rethink the question of human power, its meaning and its limits, for our power has frenetically increased in a few decades.   We have made impressive technological advances and have not realized that at the same time we have turned into highly dangerous beings, capable of threatening the lives of many beings and our own survival. We need lucidity and honesty to recognize that our power and the progress we are producing are turning against us.  LD 28.  Reflect, share, and pray:  Pray for openness to examine the deeper use of power and make the needed changes for a better world and society.