Gaudete Sunday
Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11
This is the one about whom it was written: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you." Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
On this third Sunday of Advent, a rose colored vestment is worn by the priest. A pink candle is lit on the Advent wreath. Let's rejoice and be glad! Our Savior is soon to be born! He will give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, walking to the lame, and speech to the mute. Jesus' deep love for us will eventually bloom into a flower of everlasting grace and mercy.
Is there joy in your heart today? Or, are you sad and bitter as if trapped in the parched desert? Although the church is rejoicing at the coming of Christ, the faithful may not feel so joyful. Life has beaten them up. The holiday blues got them down. They just don't feel well. Maybe some are thinking:
Getting old is no picnic. I ache and pain....
I'm so tired of trying to "live up to the Jones"....
Why don't my kids come to visit? I'm so lonely....
How I wish we didn't get a divorce.....
What should I do with my life? I'm so lost....
I don't know how I will manage all of this debt....
Oh how I miss my spouse who passed away.....
I wish someone would love me.....
Although joyless emotions erupt as we think about the wrong in our lives, rest assured that Christ showers us with love and protection. He never leaves us alone to fret for long. All it takes is a simple "Yes!" and to follow him. We must learn to wear our "patience hat" when undergoing life's challenges. Nothing will always seem so hurtful and bleak.
Certainly we can experience joy. We just need to break out of our shells of self-pity and observe the beauty around us. A new baby is born. A new job is offered and accepted. A rainbow fills the sky after a rain. A new bloom sprouts from a tree. With courage, we can manage our suffering with an inner peace and joy in our hearts.
On this "Rejoice" Sunday, let us take a few moments to pray for those who may not see the joy in their lives. Joy is indeed a blessing and gift from God!
Saint John the Baptist, Pray for Us!
-J.
Getting old is no picnic. I ache and pain....
I'm so tired of trying to "live up to the Jones"....
Why don't my kids come to visit? I'm so lonely....
How I wish we didn't get a divorce.....
What should I do with my life? I'm so lost....
I don't know how I will manage all of this debt....
Oh how I miss my spouse who passed away.....
I wish someone would love me.....
Although joyless emotions erupt as we think about the wrong in our lives, rest assured that Christ showers us with love and protection. He never leaves us alone to fret for long. All it takes is a simple "Yes!" and to follow him. We must learn to wear our "patience hat" when undergoing life's challenges. Nothing will always seem so hurtful and bleak.
Certainly we can experience joy. We just need to break out of our shells of self-pity and observe the beauty around us. A new baby is born. A new job is offered and accepted. A rainbow fills the sky after a rain. A new bloom sprouts from a tree. With courage, we can manage our suffering with an inner peace and joy in our hearts.
On this "Rejoice" Sunday, let us take a few moments to pray for those who may not see the joy in their lives. Joy is indeed a blessing and gift from God!
Saint John the Baptist, Pray for Us!
-J.
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