Reflections for Second Sunday in Advent

In a world of war and terrorism, of pandemic, of poverty and injustice, of dishonesty and manipulation of the truth, and of political expediency, and the effects of climate change, more than ever we are invited to proclaim a hope to our world by practicing our faith by addressing issues of justice, peace, and genuine human development for all God's people. 

November 2020

Introduction

The Australian government, along with the governments of all members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has committed to run domestic consultations into the PIF’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

As the PIF’s 2050 vision says:

• In 2050, the Blue Pacific Continent is a region of peace; harmony; security, social inclusion; and increased prosperity so that all Pacific people are leading free, healthy and productive lives.
  
• Our Blue Pacific identity reinforces the potential of our shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean and reaffirms the connections of Pacific peoples with their natural resources, environment, cultures and livelihoods.
• We understand that this vision can only be achieved through regional collective action.

In this spirit, Peacifica and the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education have prepared a joint submission to the inquiry. Central to our submission is the fact that the climate crisis is the region’s single greatest threat, and that Australia’s intransigence on climate action in poses a significant threat to the realisation of the 2050 vision.

Download the submission

First Sunday in Advent

Just before today’s gospel reading, Mark suggests upheaval, destruction of the Temple, of war, earthquakes, famine and family betrayal.  It can seem shocking that a season perceived to be about joy and peace is connected with the end of the world. But, Jesus’ words are not so much shocking as much as familiar. Advent really expresses our faith in the possibility of a better world.