Sister Elise Saggau, OSF

During Advent time each year, the Church provides for us a series of ancient stories and invites us to enter into them as participants. These stories seem to be about the past, for they give us an account of the great things God has already done for the human community. But, when we retell these great stories, we make them come alive for us in our own time. These are our own stories as well. They say a lot about who we are, what is happening to us today, and how we might respond. They are also about the future, for they are the stories of the longings of the human heart. They remind us that what has been promised is still, in many ways, on its way to us.

We human beings love to tell stories. Stories describe how we are immersed in TIME—past, present, and future. Think about it. Hardly a day goes by without our remembering, often out loud, about how things “used to be.” (“When I was a kid….” or  “Do you remember when…?”) The past is our guide for evaluating what we are experiencing in the present, the time in which we actually live. Our everyday activities and investments express the life that is ours NOW. Nevertheless, we are constantly expressing our desire for something that is NOT-YET (“I hope I get the new job I interviewed for,” “I want my kids to grow up healthy and happy,” “I plan to get a new car.”)  

The Church then sees the importance of time-related stories. Every human being, in some way, participates in remembering the past, living the present, and envisioning the future. Our year-long liturgical drama celebrates the mystery of how God is at work in the world today and invites us to immerse ourselves in it. During Advent we remember that we are a “waiting” kind of people. God’s “event” is coming. It is on the way. While, in some very real way, it is already here, yet, we must wait for it. Advent is designed especially to help us do our waiting in a meaningful and beautiful way.

During these four weeks of Advent, we are invited to focus on the profound yearnings of our very human hearts. No matter who we are, we are always yearning for something more than what we already have, something more than what we already are. And there will always be something MORE. We are always able to increase our capacity for freedom. Our eyes are always ready to perceive some greater light. Our hearts are always ready to enjoy some greater good. For many of us, these desires are disguised under material longings—a new job, a new car, a new kitchen gadget, a new computer game, new what-evers.

During Advent, we are called to reexamine these desires. We come to understand that they arise out of some important aspects of ourselves that are not “finished” yet. We often feel unsatisfied, unwanted, uncertain, and afraid. During Advent, we are invited to a new and clearer understanding of ourselves. We begin to see that we have not yet recognized fully how God is present and at work in us and among us. We realize that there is always something MORE than what we already are and have. Advent celebrates this more developed human expectation. During Advent, we lift up to God in hope and confidence this growing understanding. Come, Lord Jesus!

Faith and Justice: Paths to Supporting Immigrants

Sister Pat Forster and Patty Keeling, who are deeply involved in immigrant advocacy, share insights into the Church's teachings on welcoming immigrants and discuss the rights of immigrants to work, equality and support. Both Sister Pat and Patty reflect on their personal faith and how their work with immigrants has deepened their understanding of love, compassion, and universal dignity. The conversation touches on practical ways to support immigrants, such as knowing rights, engaging with local sheriffs, writing to legislators, and attending training sessions. 

Minnesota Catholic Podcasts - Faith and Justice: Paths to Supporting Immigrants