Advent reflection for 6 December

The story of Jesus healing the two blind men is an opportunity to ask ourselves what things we turn away from or are indifferent to. In our world we see so much violence and hatred. At times we may perhaps find it hard to picture any other reality.

However, we can trust that God sees differently. God sees the possibility of change, of transformation for our suffering world. He invites us to share that vision, as expressed by the prophet Isaiah. People who are poor will have reason to rejoice and those who are ruthless shall come to nothing.

It is a vision that is shared by José Muniz, who lives with his wife Maria in northeastern Brazil. In the past, their community was regularly terrorised by armed men. They would shoot indiscriminately, kill livestock and set fire to their crops and straw houses. Food was scarce, droughts frequent and hunger never far away.

Almir Muniz, José's cousin and a community leader, was forcibly disappeared in 2002. He was targeted for defending the rights of sharecroppers – tenant farmers who give up part of their crop as rent. His body was never found.

Thanks to your donations and with support from the CAFOD-funded local organisation, CPT, José and his community can fight against injustice. They will continue Almir’s dream of sustainable and dignified rural livelihoods through new initiatives such as honey production, which work in harmony with the land.

Jose says: “Nature gives us so much, so we should care for her. We care for the environment and the environment cares for us.”

This Advent we are invited to see in a new way. To see where God is already present and inviting us to join him in renewing the world.

Advent prayer

Jesus, giver of sight,
open our eyes to see as you do.
Strengthen your vision within us,
of a renewed human community
in a renewed creation.
Amen.

Act  

CAFOD’s Carol service takes place on 11 December. We are so excited that this year’s service will include live music performances by St Anne’s Gospel Choir (finalists in BBC Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year), Adenike Adewale (semi-finalist in The Voice and star of Whitney: Queen of the Night) and Talia Dean (X Factor finalist). We will also be joined by several special guest readers including BAFTA nominated actor Alex MacQueen. The service will be livestreamed.

Join us