No daylight to separate us. Only kinship. Inching ourselves closer to creating a community of kinship such that God might recognize it. Soon we imagine, with God, this circle of compassion. Then we imagine no one standing outside of that circle, moving ourselves closer to the margins so that the margins themselves will be erased.” – Fr. Gregory Boyle SJ, Tattoos on the Heart

Bob Stephan, Director of Ignatian Formation and Adult Spirituality at Loyola High School shares their Advent prayer book which invites us to kinship in a time of difficulty and uncertainty.

This year’s Advent prayer book invites us to kinship in a time of difficulty and uncertainty. It builds on the invitations from the international Jesuits and the Jesuits West Province to enter into deeper relationships across differences. In this time of pandemic, when we have limited opportunities to be physically near one another, we hope this collection of reflections provides an alternative opportunity to encounter others. Each encounter is a chance for deeper connection, a step toward the kinship of God.

In the following pages you will find stories of encounters, in the scriptures, in personal relationships, and in our call to community with one another. We encourage you to notice what stirs for you as you read and pray with these personal reflections. Each reflection has questions for further consideration. The first two questions come from the Jesuits West Collaborative Organizing for Racial Equity Toolkit (Link: www.jesuitswestcore.org). These questions set the frame for this year’s theme. May we journey together this Advent season in that spirit of kinship.

Here you can download the Advent Prayer Book: Encounters of Grace: A Community of Kinship