Sunday, December 14th

Scripture

Is 35: 1-6, 10
Ps 146: 6-10
James 5: 7-10
MT 11: 2-11

Reflection

“…rejoice and bloom… rejoice with joyful song…“ Is. 35:
“Alleluia!.” Ps 146
“…bring glad tidings…” Is 61:1
“…and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” Mt. 11:5b

Beloved,

“Yes!” I said as I opened Jackie’s invitation. “Yes, Rejoice Sunday!”

My New’s Year’s resolution was that this was to be a “YEAR OF JOY.” Where upon, I looked in the nooks and crannies and found depictions of the word JOY, what some would consider cachivache, and displayed them
around my living room, to help me remember.

It works, helps me remember Sisters Pat and Maxine leading a bunch of high schoolers in “All you Peoples, Clap your Hands and Shout for Joy,” (and wondering if we would clap). If the desert and parched land could rejoice with joyful song, so, too, could a group of high schoolers. Remember Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy:” Joyful, joyful, we adore you, God of Glory, Lord of Love…” joining people hand in hand. Remember Zachariah 2:10, “Sing and rejoice… see I am coming to dwell among you!” Remember, Mary’s Magnificat. And remember you have been anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor, “He comes/came to save!”

P.S. The little bird on my balcony frequently joins in joyful praise!

Prayer

Promised One, You who put the song of joy in our hearts,
Strengthen hands and knees that are weak,
Open our eyes and ears
Free our voices to truth and beauty
as we joyfully sing of your praise, we dance and clap our hands.
ALLELUIA!

Personal Challenge

As we complete this Advent Season and celebrate Christmas,
how will you bring glad tidings to the poor?
How will you share God’s joy? Give God joy?

Sister Pat Warbritton, CSJ
Kalamazoo, MI