Sunday, December 16th
Scripture
Zeb 3:14 –18a
Is 12:4,5-6
Phil 4:4-7
Lk 3:10-18
Reflection
Shout for Joy! …The Lord is in your midst. (Zep3:14,18)
Shout with exultation, for great in your midst is the Holy One! (Is 12:5-6)
Rejoice in the Lord always! (Phil 4:4)
“WE REMEMBER! WE CELEBRATE! WE BELIEVE! Lyrics by: Marty Haugen
Isn’t that what we do during Advent? We take time to remember the period of waiting for the Redeemer to come. We celebrate God sending his only Son to our earth as our savior. We believe in the One God sent. Today on Gaudete/Rejoice Sunday, the Church allows us to decorate the Church with flowers. The priest’s vestments can change from dark purple or blue to a bright rose. Advent, the time of waiting, is half over. Multiple times in the scripture readings we hear “REJOICE!” How? What shall we do? John’s message is clear. He tells us: Share with those who are needy. Serve God and be satisfied that you can best serve God and the dear neighbor where you are now in this present time. Act. Prepare the way of the Lord by using the gifts God is giving you presently in this stage of your life to serve God and the dear neighbor. Rejoice and be glad! God, who is pure Love, is in your midst! WE REMEMBER! WE CELEBRATE! WE BELIEVE!
Prayer
Loving God, I am confident and not afraid. I am at peace, for I believe you are with me always. Grant me the grace to continue reflecting on your unconditional love, and to share that love with all the dear neighbors.
Personal Challenge
Let my life be a witness to Paul’s words: Rejoice in the Lord always!
Sister Evelyn Mee, CSJ
Baton Rouge, LA