An Ignatian Advent

An Ignatian Advent Weekly Advent Reflections from the Jesuit Network

As we journey through the final week of Advent, we ask for these graces:

That I may hear the cry of the earth and of the poor -- and respond by inviting others to a hope-filled future.

Week 4

As we approach the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the Irish Jesuits provide some Ignatian tips to navigating the holiday.

AN IGNATIAN GUIDE TO SURVIVING CHRISTMAS

Be Kind to One Another - And to Yourself

God of all people, sometimes it is hard to trust that you are at work in my life, that you are truly coming into my life in each and every moment of each and every day. I pray for the grace that I may trust you. And that I may see you more clearly today, tomorrow and as I welcome Christ anew into my life this Christmas.

Reflect Now

Hope in Canaan

The ground trembled beneath them and, in an instant, they lost everything. Together they went to Canaan, the land of promises and hope. Offer a prayer for all those seeking hope.

Reflect Now

A Christmas Mess

For Pope Francis, a perfect Christmas begins with us “making a mess” — that is to say taking a risk, seeing and speaking out about bad situations, doing something new, something different, something for justice, something that could change the misfortunes of the present so that the blessed future might arrive. Make and embrace a mess, and change it with love so that it no longer hinders life but becomes the new creation that Jesus brings, one that truly praises our Lord.

Reflect Now

Listen to the latest

Christmas isn't the only source of hope this Advent season. There's a new...or, rather, 40+ year-old hope that's coming to an end. Listen to the latest episode of AMDG where Fr. Jim McDermott, SJ, shares his reflections on Star Wars, faith, justice and forgiveness.

Listen Now

Week 3

"In the season of Advent, we grow. Our hearts are enlarged to embrace the suffering of the world in God’s love. In such a love, we do not get trapped in despair and powerlessness because we know we have a Saviour, ‘Emmanuel’." - Jesuit Curia, Rome

Now. Discern. This.

God of truth, we know you are constantly speaking to us. In the people around us, we see you; we hear you. In the joys and challenges placed before us, you are at work, nudging us along. In those moments of silence, you speak an encouraging word to us. Help us to hear you, in all the ways you speak to us, and to act.

Reflect Now

Her Future

Refugee girls are more likely to face barriers to school, such as dangerous journeys to school, lack of access to menstrual hygiene, household demands, and early marriage. Offer a prayer for fair and safe access to education for all children.

Learn More

Does the Desert Exult?

"When we speak of the desert, the first image that comes to mind for me is not flowers and lilies blooming, but what I see in photos and videos of immigrants trying to cross the southern border into the US."

Reflect Now

Ignatian Carbon Challenge

Challenge yourself to simplify and make space for prayer in preparation for Christmas this Advent.

Take the Challenge

AMDG.

Week 2

"Advent is the time of opening ourselves to the risk of hope, and the power that it gives us to see new possibilities, to be renewed, to let the life that the Holy Spirit who has been breathed into us become our life. The Lord has come, now in our time, and for all time." - Jesuit Curia, Rome

God's Timing

We see injustice and want change now. Understandable. We are called to be prophets, pointing to God's justice, God's dream for the world. But we are also called to collaborate with God, trusting in God's time, contributing what we can and allowing the Master Builder to work.

Reflect Now

"Peace, I leave with You"

After losing several students to gun violence, Luisa began to work with local mothers to promote what their community most lacked: peace. Offer a prayer of peace for all suffering from violence.

Read the Story

Hail Mary, Mother of Our World

On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of the Americas, offer your prayers for all asylum seekers at the U.S.’s southern border that they may find safety, security, and refuge. Learn more about the work of JRS/Mexico and it’s work to serve asylum seekers.

Read the Story

He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. Luke 1:52

Inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, Jesuit Refugee Service shares an opportunity for all of us to take action on behalf of migrants.

Stand with Migrants

Preach and Repent

The way we live and the changes we make during this time of preparation are a concrete sign of how God is preparing us for Jesus to come into our lives. Let us prepare with humble hearts.

Reflect Now

AMDG

Week 1

"Advent draws us into the mystery of God who acts in history but is not bound by it. We are invited to contemplate God whose promises are embedded within our time and history, shaping it and slowly bringing it to fulfillment in unexpected ways and through the least expected people. In Advent we encounter God who never ceases to surprise us." - Jesuit Curia, Rome

Embrace the Magis; Seek the More

God calls us to great things. But God's timing, God's ways, are frequently not ours. How might we better listen to God's voice -- and in so doing, contribute to God's greater glory?

REFLECT

This reflection comes from the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

The Story of Estefani

A pregnant mother who journeyed from Venezuela to Ecuador to find a better life for her baby. Offer a prayer for all young mothers like Estefani who are searching for a better life for their children.

READ THE STORY

This reflection comes from Jesuit Refugee Service.

Future Greatness

Advent is a liturgical season of great significance to Christians. We have the opportunity to reflect on, and prepare for, Jesus to enter the world as a child in need of love and care. As we contemplate Jesus as a child, vulnerable and fragile, we are able to see his greatness.

REFLECT

This reflection comes from the Office of Ignatian Spirituality and is available in Spanish.

Appreciate