Compiled by Fr. James DiLuzio CSP
As we anticipate the oncoming of WINTER in the Northern Hemisphere (I believe all our subscribers are in the Northern Hemisphere) and continue to celebrate Hanukkah, Advent, and prepare for Christmas, and Kwanzaa, I invite us to acknowledge upcoming festivals beyond our more commonly known ones. (Kwanzaa begins 16 December 2023 through 1 January 2024.) More on Kwanzaa? See: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kwanzaa), Before you do, I invite the Christians among us to explore my blog entry: Suggestions for a CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS (Revised & Updated) But now, here’s this:
The Winter Solstice
21 December 2023 Winter Solstice. (Pagan origins but commemorated in a variety of ways by almost every religious tradition) Actually, scientists designate it as an official “moment” on a particular day and not a “day” at all. What is constant: the Northern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice usually takes place between December 20 and 23, depending on the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the 2023 winter solstice will occur on December 21, 10:28 p.m. EST. In the Southern Hemisphere, it will occur on June 21 at 14:58 GMT which is 10:58 a.m. EDT. Source # 1: https://starwalk.space/en/news/what-is-a-solstice
Source # 2: https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/winter-solstice.html
Source # 3: WINTER SOLSTICE 2023 around the WORLD: https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/
YULE
22 December 2023: YULE: What we used to designate as “Pagan” religions, are finding a growing number of adherents today. Along with many others, the contemporary Wicca movement celebrates YULE, marking the New Year in the Anglo-Saxon and northern traditions of Wicca. It honors the birth of the god called the “Winter Born King.” It is described as a time for ritually shedding the impurities of the past year, and for contemplating avenues of spiritual development in the year ahead. Source: Multifaith Calendar 2023 published by The Multifaith Action Society https://multifaithaction.jimdo.com/ More on “Paganism” begins with a good definition https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paganism and this website among many others: https://www.learnreligions.com/overview-of-modern-paganism-2561680
BUDDHIST WINTER COMMEMORATION
December 26: Sanghamitta Day–the Anniversary of the arrival of Sanghamitta, daughter of King Asoka, who started the Order of Nuns in Sri Lanka and brought a branch of the Bodhi Tree (which still survives in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura). It occurs on /near the Full Moon day of December
Source: Multifaith Calendar 2023 published by The Multifaith Action Society https://multifaithaction.jimdo.com/ More on this at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi_Tree and, for your convenience: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism
BOXING DAY
December 26: BOXING DAY Does anyone actually remember any of the possible explanations for this observance in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? Hint: it has nothing to do with a sport requiring gloves that takes place in a designated space encircled by a rope. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boxing-Day
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PRAY FOR PEACE
As we continue to grieve the Russian-Ukranian War, the Israeli-Hamas War, and the pervasive violence evident throughout the world, I offer you this plaintive song by Judy Collins written in 1994 during the Yugoslav War 1991-2001 in the Balkans. Entitled Song for Sarajevo (I Dream of Peace), it conveys the kind of heartbreak all war should invoke along with a prayer of hope. Listening to it keeps me sensitive to human suffering in all of its forms and contexts. It engages me in prayer. Let me know what you find helpful as conduits to prayer in the comment section below.
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A PRAYER FOR PEACE (from Catholic Relief Service)
Lord, Father of our human family,
You created all human beings equal in dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter,
dialogue, justice, and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies,
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence, and war.
May our hearts be open
to all the peoples and nations of the earth,
May we recognize the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus, forge bonds of unity,
common projects, and shared dreams.
PLEASE ADD in the comments YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY so we may have an abundance of Multi-faith agencies at our fingertips. Perhaps, in the future, we could pledge to a friend’s agency to honor another faith or denomination’s life-giving efforts.
MORE ON WAR AND PEACE
FREE DOWNLOAD: HOW TO TALK TO JUST ABOUT ANYONE ABOUT ISRAEL PALESTINE: https://www.mybrotherfromanothermother.org/download-guide/
I became aware of this resource through an online event sponsored by https://www.sharingsacredspaces.org/ — a website we all need to “Bookmark” for the many seminars, programs, and educational tools it offers for Interfaith dialogue. The program was entitled “The Israeli-Palestinian Situation: Skills for Conflict Transformation” offered by long-time peace activist Dr. Yehezkel Landau whose website offers a multitude of resources. https://landau-interfaith.com/ AND https://www.mybrotherfromanothermother.org/
SOURCES FOR ONGOING EDUCATION – Engaging in Controversies in Conversation:
HOW DID WE GET HERE? I want to offer you a Terrific Presentation on the Modern History of the Conflict Between the Jews and Palestinian Peoples PART ONE. I attended this workshop offered by Fordham University’s Center for Jewish Studies in New York City “LIVE.” I was in awe of the way these two revered professors artfully condensed and contextualized the essential roots of the trials and suffering of two peoples that began in the 19th century. I think you will find this presentation helpful in distancing us, if only a bit, from the strong emotions the current war invokes in all who want to talk about it. I am confident we all agree that more education will help.
You may contribute to the many efforts of Fordham’s Center for Jewish Studies here: https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/jewish-studies/
Here are some more extraordinary websites to add to the conversation:
BOOK CLUB 2024
I continue to ask for input on these choices for next year. WHAT IS GOD? by John Haught. The author suggests five ways of thinking realistically about God by reflecting on profound human depth experiences of the Future (aka ‘Horizon’), Freedom, Beauty, and Truth. Dates: I will offer morning and evening sessions the WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4 through 9th. Times to be designated after all confirm their interest. Please Respond by Monday, January 15th with your available dates and preferred time frame Morning or Evening.
Available at https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/2754-7/what-is-god.aspx
In JUNE 2024, I propose we try WHAT IS RELIGION? by the same author. In this book, John Haught invites us “to uncover what it is that religions have in common: the archetypal human need to find meaningful routes through life, and to stay in touch with their spiritual potential.”
Available at
https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/3117-X/what-is-religion.aspx
More about John Haught here: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/John_F._Haught
frjamesdiluzio 