December 26,2012 to January 1, 2013

The season is approaching. The time for the Kwanzaa celebration is upon us. The end of the calendar year causes us to examine the past and to look forward to the future with resolution and promise. Our God is One of promise not despair. No matter how bleak the picture appears in our world of failing economies, loss of employment, hunger, renewed racism, continuing forms of discrimination, fragmented governments, and unending war---- our God remains constant. There is none like our God!

Remember, if we sow in tears, the Bible tells us, we will reap in joy! Therefore with a promising spirit may we renew our commitment to uphold the sacredness of every life as we celebrate Kwanzaa for Life 2012!

The Kinara of the Soul The Kinara is a seven-place candleholder that represents the original stalk from which all African people sprang. It also represents reason and social structure. In Kwanzaa for life it represents the soul of each individual, the vessel, which contains the spirit of life. How fitting it is for us to celebrate the octave of His coming by reflecting on how His presence can be alive in this world by our embracing of the seven principles of Kwanzaa!

Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

UNITY There is so much division among us. Show us how to work together for the common good. Redirect our energy. Show us, Lord, and we promise to try and hear your message for unity. UMOJA Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

SELF- DETERMINATION There is too much intolerance among us. Show us how to realize that you are the author of creation and every one of us is part of your blueprint. As each person determines how they are part of your plan, open us to understand what that role is. Show us, Lord, how to love ourselves as You created us and we promise to try to hear your message of self-determination. KUJICHAGULIA Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILTY There is too much selfishness and blame among us. Show us how to share work and responsibility to create a better day for all. Show us, Lord, and we promise to hear your message of collective work and responsibility. UJIMA Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS We still squander our resources on many foolish things and use our limited wealth to uphold businesses which degrade us. Show us how to uphold our dignity and support those who respect us. Show us, Lord, and we promise to hear your message of cooperative economics. UJAMAA Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

PURPOSE Too often we forget why we are here and whose we are. Show us how to live out the Beatitudes and Works of Mercy to love and serve others. In this way we can glorify your holy name. Show us, Lord, and we promise to hear your message of purpose and redirect our lives. NIA Response : Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

CREATIVITY There is too much despair and hopelessness in our world. We are getting too tired to find new ways to ensure equity, dignity, and justice for all. Show us, Lord, how to rediscover our talents and give us the courage to use these talents for the benefit of all whom we meet. Show us, Lord, and we promise to hear your message of creativity. KUUMBA Response: Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

FAITH There is too much doubt and confusion in our world. We have forgotten the perseverance of our ancestors. We have a generation of youth who do not aspire to values based on a strong faith. Show us, Lord, how to renew our faith and we promise to hear your message of faith. IMANI Response : Jesus, make us keepers of our promises. Shine your light on us!

During Kwanzaa for Life (December 26, January 1, 2013) let us also offer the following prayers: The Lord’s Prayer The Marian Prayer: Hail Mary! Psalm 27 (The Lord is my light and my salvation…)

Lord, our God, lead us to walk in your light as we celebrate the festival of Kwanzaa and the African American heritage. Shine on our thanks and praise for life. Strengthen us with your grace and mercy, so that we may love and preserve life. Guide us to uphold and respect life from its beginning to its natural end. Help us to always be true to our nature as you created us because all that you made is good. Finally, lead us on to eternal life with you. We ask these things because we have our roots in the divine origin of Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier, Jesus Our Lord. Amen. Halleluiah! Amen!

Some suggested musical recommendations: “Standing on the Promises” (Traditional) “Promises” (CD) by Richard Smallwood

SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE FOR LIFE Author: James Paul Newson, Jr. Design: Fr. Rey V. Culaba, CSsR Black History Note: Kwanzaa was founded 46 years ago by Dr. Maulana Karenga

December 26,2012 to January 1, 2013