Gaudete
The theme of rejoicing coincides with what the Church celebrates on the third
Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means joy. The Church
purposely sets it on the third Sunday as it is sensitive to
people's feelings when in waiting, we might find the waiting too
long, tiring, and agonizing. ...
Advent
III: Rejoice! God Is With Us by Justin Holcomb
More than any other week during the Advent season, Advent III represents a shift
in attitude. One moves from hope, repentance, and fear of the coming Judge to
rejoicing at the coming of salvation and the kingdom of God as Jesus makes all
things new. These Advent rhythms represent shifts that we often experience in
our Christian lives. Some days we feel like the injustices in
this world are more than we can handle, some days we anguish
over our sin, and others we long for the day when God will
finally defeat the last great enemy, death. ...
Rejoice in
the Lord always! - The Third Sunday of Advent by Carl Olson
Two implicit questions are suggested by the readings: "Are we
ready to meet our Savior?" and "Do we recognize Him among us?"
Today's responsorial, the twelfth chapter of Isaiah, declares
that the great and Holy One of Israel is "among you." ...
Two Waitings by
Fr. Paul Scalia
There are two kinds of waiting. There is passive waiting -
nothing more than sitting around, tapping your feet, twiddling
your thumbs, drumming your fingers, looking at your watch. It
suggests a lack of hope and love. It fails to prompt us to
action because the object of waiting does not seem worth it.
Then there is the kind of waiting full of expectation - the kind
that makes us resist any distractions or other loves. ...
Gaudete in
Domino semper! By Father Mark
Today's Introit is one of the few drawn from the Epistles of Saint Paul. It is
an exhortation to joy, but its mood is quiet and reflective. "Rejoice in the
Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to
everyone. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything
by prayer let your petitions be made known to God" (Phil 4:4-6). ...
Why 'Gaudete?' by
Br. Hyacinth Marie Cordell, OP
Gaudete
and Laetare Sundays express the foretaste of the good things to come that we
experience even now. The Church summons us to "look up and raise your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near." ...
Charity for
All by Father Edward McIlmail, LC
By calling for charity and justice John wants to prepare the
people for the arrival of the Messiah. Without hearts open to
others, they would not be able to accept the robust message of
Christ. Charity prepares the heart for the seed of the Gospel.
...
What
Do We Do? by Dr. Scott Hahn
Each of us is being called to stand in that crowd and hear the
"good news" of John's call to repentance. We should examine our
lives, ask from our hearts as they did: "What should we do?" ...
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy and the Baptist by Marcellino
D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.
The Baptist was joyful because he was humble. In fact, he shows
us the true nature of this virtue. Humility is not beating up on
yourself, denying that you have any gifts, talents, or
importance. John knew he had an important role which he played
aggressively, with authority and confidence. ...
More Joy in Suffering
Than in Enjoyments
The Lord commands us not only to rejoice sometimes, but to
rejoice always (Phil 4:4). This does not mean we rejoice over
all things, but that we rejoice in the Lord under all
circumstances. Because the Lord is our Joy and the circumstances
are not, we can rejoice in the midst of "the distress of many
trials" (1 Pt 1:6). ...
Meditation on
Philippians 4:4-7
St. Paul in the second reading calls us to "Rejoice in the Lord
always." During Advent, we should rejoice not only in the coming
of our Lord as a baby at Bethlehem, but his coming into our
hearts as well. The assurance of the fullness of salvation in
Christ’s second coming should also cause us to rejoice. How well
are you able to "Rejoice in the Lord" when faced with the
difficulties of the current world situation? ...
A
Life That Bears Fruit in Keeping With Repentance
If we desire Christ's life and salvation, we too must change our lives. Not only
must we accept Jesus as Savior, we must also – by the conversion of our lives –
obey Him as Lord. God asks us to act justly toward one another: He has showed
you. O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do
justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic
6:8). ...
The Blessed
Mother and Advent Part 3: Theotokos sums up all that Mary is by
Carl E. Olson
Possessing perfect faith, itself a gift from God, Mary was
overshadowed by God the Father, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and
filled by the Son. She was chosen by God to bear the God-man,
the One in whom the "whole fullness of deity" would dwell.
Completely filled by God, she is completely holy. Chosen by God,
she is saved. ...
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