The first week of Advent brings expectations, anticipation, joy and hope. It is a time of year when charity, kindness and hope abound. Our eyes are open to the many Christian ways to help brighten the Christmas season for others. We give to Toys for Tots, grab a tag off a giving tree, donate a coat, and bring food to the homeless. While works of charity help, the road to justice is less traveled. Let us choose to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit this season and all year long doing justice. While charity fills a need, justice fills a longing that is more than seasonal.
Today’s gospel offers a helpful message: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” These words remind us to travel another road and help to bring expectation, anticipation, joy and hope to others during this Advent season.
—Pam Pipas, RN serves as Health Care Coordinator for the Jesuits of the Akron, Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo region.