Dear  

‘The Word was made flesh he lived among us, and we saw his glory’. [John1:14] It is in the flesh that we meet Jesus. Jesus encounters others in the flesh healing and reconciling. Jesus is the one who leads us into the friendship, joy, and the glory of the Father.

Many people this Christmas will not experience the joy of the coming of the Christ child. So many are suffering through wars, political oppression, domestic violence, and poverty, especially children. We are all called to collaborate in the mission of Jesus to participate in the work of reconciliation. ‘The reconciliation of human beings with one another at all levels of personal and social life, reconciliation with the natural environment that makes life possible, and reconciliation with God who makes it all possible’. [GC36]

We ask for the grace this Christmas to be agents of Christ's reconciliation to spread peace and good will, in every place, to every person we encounter. The recent session of the Synod on Synodality invites all of us into friendship, a friendship that enables us to transition from the ‘I’ to the ‘we’. It is Jesus who calls us friends and invites us into friendship with him and each other. Let us also share the joy of knowing Jesus and his way to The Father.

May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas.

Ian Cribb SJ, Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia

Jesuit Mission Gifts for Change

The gift of kindness becomes more pronounced during the Christmas season, reminding us of the power of community and the joy found in spreading love and generosity.

By purchasing a Gift for Change from Jesuit Mission Australia, you can spread love and empower vulnerable people to break themselves out of the cycle of poverty. For example, a $50 gift could fund a bicycle to help a young child in Cambodia to receive a quality education.

A Gift for Change can be personalised, and you can choose to receive a physical card, or e-card to share with your loved one this Christmas. They can be purchased online via the button below or call 02 8918 4109. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt and help transform the lives of others while completing your meaningful shopping this Christmas. 

Thank you.