This Advent season I am enjoying daily email reflections from Loyola Press. Apparently author Joe Paprocki contributes to these reflections with excerpts from his book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ. Enhancing my daily prayer practice during the season of Advent is helpful in grounding me throughout these hectic weeks.

In the midst of holiday business, I attempt to “take it all in” in terms of my family. We’ve started new seasons in CYO basketball and soccer, and my wife and I attempt to tri-locate on one evening each week when all three of our kids practice at the same time in different locations. We haven’t quite figured that one out yet but we are continually learning patience and flexibility.

I recently read “Best Jazz Albums of 2022: In a year of growth and reflection, the music stretched and relocated in often unpredictable ways,” and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed artist Samara Joy as a result. She performs the classic, “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” in this youtube clip, which reminds me of Barbara Holme’s article, “Jazz and the Blues as catalysts for communal contemplation.” Listening to good music always feeds my soul and brings me joy.

I came across this quote recently and it spoke to my understanding of a faith that does justice. This concept, too, brings me joy. May we each be inspired to work toward justice during this Advent time. Blesssings on your week ahead!

Our faith has been about the communities faithfully modeling a way of being in the world, of being in relationship with each other and with the prisoner and the hungry. It has been about Amos, standing up to the establishment in the name of God and in the name of justice. So, I believe that the future of Christianity is indeed its past and present. —Nontombi Naomi Tutu