The first Sunday of Advent 2012 falls on the 32th anniversary of the martyrdom of the four North American churchwomen in El Salvador. This reflection is prepared by Marie Dennis, co-president of Pax Christi International and former director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
This final reflection for the liturgical year is written by Fr. Sacha Bermudez-Goldman, a Jesuit priest who is a former Maryknoll lay missioner.
Fr. John McAuley writes at this end of the liturgical year: "A person of faith today cannot read current news events without discerning that there are powerful movements of spirit and effective Spirit-filled actions afoot around the world; stirrings and actions of persons and communities that arise from aspirations for fruits that ultimately are of the Spirit: peace, justice, freedom, dignity, truth, equality, and hope."
This week's reflection is written by Barbara Fraser, a former Maryknoll lay missioner.
This week's scripture reflection is written by Maryknoll Fr. Mike Snyder, who lives and works in Tanzania.
Thursday, Nov. 1 is the feast of All Saints; Sr. Ann Hayden writes the reflection for that day's readings.
Fr. Ken Thesing spent many years as a missioner in East Africa, and now works in Rome. "Our scriptures often use contrasts – like the theme of darkness and light, or as we see in the readings for today’s liturgy, the theme of 'blindness' and 'sight' to show that process of growth in understanding for the disciples or for anyone who wants to follow Jesus ... These are the people God brings back and restores – not just the strong, the gifted, and those who can pay for assistance but the frail and vulnerable – no one is left out."
This Sunday's reflection is written by Fr. Jim Kroeger, who has served as a missioner in Asia for many years.
Dave Kane, who recently left the Maryknoll lay missioners after many years (mostly in Brazil, followed by a stint at the Global Concerns office), wrote today's reflection.
Lay missioner Liz Mach, who has lived and worked in Africa, writes today's reflection.
This week's reflection is written by Maryknoll Fr. Joe Veneroso: "Our life of prayers and good works comes in response to grace, not as its pre-requisite."
Former lay missioner Phil Dah-Bredine writes this week's reflection.