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!
SELFDETERMINATION
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,
2012- 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