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Advent Reflection

Gaudete! Rejoice! The theme of this Sunday is Joy. Reflecting on this made me think of the many people who find this season particularly difficult and sad, so much so that there is even an increase in people taking their own lives.

Being on the receiving end of “just cheer up,” I know how futile that approach is. When people are despairing, they can’t see the light – despair comes from the Latin despero without hope. I remember at my darkest feeling not just that if I died it wouldn’t matter, but even worse that it might be better for everyone.

Sister Joan Marie Stelman, OSB, senior vice president, Mission Integration