Life-Giving

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A key word from today’s homily at mass was “life-giving.”  Advent is the season of being open to Christ. It is a time: to be, to receive and to recognize those things that are “life-giving”, that lead us to Christ.  Sometimes we can miss Advent all together and lunge into the busyness and the consumerism that has been associated with Christmas.  As my school semester comes to a close I reflect on the “life-giving” women who have been my classmates at Oblate School of Theology. The women are few in a majority of men studying for the priesthood. The women in the school have been so life-giving in my studies and spiritual life.  These women have families, husbands, jobs and are faithful to God.  In spite of their full lives, they have said “yes” to study Theology.  I will be inviting these women for a small closing semester advent prayer/social gathering at my home because this is the season to celebrate and recognize those people/things who have been “life-giving” in our lives.  I thank God for these beautiful women who have been a spiritual “life-giving” community to me.  They have been encouraging, supportive and great witnesses of Christ’s loving presence.   What are some of the “life-giving” communities in your life this Advent season?   
Sr. Priscilla Torres, OP
San Antonio, Texas

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