GAUDETE! REJOICE! Happy Third Sunday of Advent!
We often use the word "joy" to describe how we are feeling. We feel joy when we get to spend time with a close friend, when we receive good news, or when our favorite sports team wins a championship. A declioius meal brings me joy, especially during the holidays. Did you know Fr. Stubna is an excellent cook and baker? Just thinking about his homemade sauce, meatballs, and nutrolls brings me joy!
As Catholic Christians, we are called to experience joy beyond a temporary emotion. Our joy as Christians is to be rooted in charity and love. So joy is not always going to feel good because charity and love can be very difficult. St. Paul in his letter to the Hebrews writes, "For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God." St. Paul refers to Jesus' suffering on the cross as joyful! Shocking, I know, but what Jesus did on the cross was the will of his Father and it was absolute pure, sacrificial love. Love always brings joy.
When we keep ourselves focused on God and his will for our lives; when we seek to love and serve him by loving and serving others, that's when we will experience the kind of joy that's a foretaste of heaven.
Prayer: Pray the words of today's psalm:
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Action: Whether big or small, do some act of love and charity, even if it hurts!
Enjoy one of my favorite songs for Gaudete Sunday: