The scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121414.cfm
St. Theresa of Avila once said, "From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!" St. Theresa knew what she was talking about, especially on this "Gaudete Sunday", the Third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is the Latin word for "rejoice". This Third Sunday of Advent, this Gaudete Sunday, invites us during this very busy time of year to stop or pause and to recall why we are so busy. With all this rushing around just two weeks before Christmas creates stress, and makes us "sour-faced" saints. Pope Francis encourages Catholics not to become "sourpusses!" We need to slow down and remember the reason for the season.
In our gospel for today we hear, once again, about John the Baptist, the "voice crying out in the wilderness". (John 1:23) If you look closely at the life of John the Baptist, you can say that he is the patron saint of joy. When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth, the mother of John, John leaped in Elizabeth's womb, overjoyed at the presence of Jesus so close by (Luke 1:41). We are all urged to emulate John the Baptist's joy at the presence of Christ. Further, you might say that John the Baptist was the first Christian evangelizer! All throughout John's life, from conception to death, he was always pointing towards Jesus. In today's gospel, John refers to Jesus when he says, "...but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:26-27)
In our second reading for today, we hear from St. Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians. We read, "Brothers and sisters:Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.In all circumstances give thanks,for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). In all the hustle and bustle of this time of year, do we take the time to rejoice in the fact that Jesus Christ came into the world for us? Do we give thanks to God in ALL circumstances?
As we get closer to Christmas let's try to slow down a bit and remember that Jesus is the reason why we are celebrating this time of year. We are to share our faith in Christ with others and show that our faith in Christ is the center of all we do.
Pope Francis writes, "The joy of evangelizing always arises from grateful remembrance: It is a grace which we constantly need to implore." Pope Francis adds, "God asks everything of us, yet at the same time he offers everything to us!"
Be joyful that Jesus Christ came into the world! And share that good news with others throughout this Advent Season! Gaudete!
Thanks, Deacon Tom! I LOVE that quote from St. Teresa of Avila! I once heard someone ask why when people hear "Let us pray" their faces start to look as if they ate a sour pickle! I LOVE Pope Francis & it is true that we need to remember with gratitude what God has done for us & is doing in our lives & then we will have joy. I'm grateful that St. Paul said that we must give thanks IN all circumstances. In our human nature we can't give thanks FOR all circumstances, because there are some circumstances, like illness, death of loved ones, various stresses in our lives, which are not good but we CAN thank God IN all circumstances because we trust that God is working all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
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