Advent Daily Reflections Header
Third Sunday of Advent
Readings of the Day
[link removed]
Today is Gaudete Sunday, the day we finally get to light the pink
candle on the Advent wreath. After months of tedium while
sheltering-in-place or quarantining, there is palpable excitement in
something as simple as lighting a different-colored candle!
Gaudete is a Latin word that is translated rejoice. But what does
rejoice mean? The noun form, joy, is often described as a feeling of
pleasure and happiness, but that seems incomplete from a Christian
point of view. Pleasure and happiness are dependent on external
circumstances and are fleeting; joy, in its fuller, spiritual meaning
of expressing God's goodness, is so much more. It grows and emanates
from the soul.
The readings today capture that joy. The prophet Isaiah proclaims,
"I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my
soul." The Christ-bearer Mary sings in the Magnificat, "my
soul rejoices in God my Savior." Paul says to "Rejoice
always," and John the Evangelist tells us that the Baptizer has
come to "testify to the light." What fills these Biblical
figures with joy? The prospect of justice, the alleviation of hunger,
hearts of gratitude, and light in a world of darkness: all point to
communion with God.
Isn't that what we are called to do at Catholic Charities? Bring
the joy and light of Christ into a hurting world? In the work we do,
we shine a light on injustice while illuminating the darkness by
providing opportunities for education, housing, and food security.
Like Isaiah, we are stewards who have been anointed "to bring
glad tidings to the poor." While joy is a noun, rejoice is a
verb, which in its oldest sense is giving joy to others. As you light
that pink candle this week, picture the faces of all those to whom you
have brought joy this year as we continue on our journey to Christmas.
Kathy Freeze is the Director of Community Involvement for Catholic
Charities of Central New Mexico. Her passion is in putting faith into
action for ministries, families, youth and young children and is a
graduate of St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX.
View this message in your browser.
[link removed]
Forward this message.
Update your email preferences.
[link removed]
[link removed]
