Saturday, December 13, 2014

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT -



 Today is the third Sunday of Advent known as Gaudete Sunday. The Introit or introductory hymn from Paul’s letter to the Philippians reads: “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. Dominus enim prope est. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.”


     
The season of Advent is a period of waiting and expectation for the Lord, a period to prepare for the anniversary of his birth and first coming. During this season, the Church urges us to be ready always for his second coming at the end of time and to do so with joy, with joyful hope and expectation for the Lord. need to bear witness to Christ the Light: By Baptism we become members of the family of Christ, the true Light of the world. 

 Jesus said:  “You are the light of the world.”  Hence, our mission as brothers and sisters of Christ and members of his Church is to reflect Christ’s Light to others, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun.  It is especially important during the Advent season that we reflect Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness.  There are too many people who live in darkness and poverty, and who lack real freedom.  There are others who are deafened and blinded by the cheap attractions of the world.  Also, many feel lonely, unwanted, rejected, and marginalized.  All these people are waiting for us to reflect the Light of Christ and to turn their lives into experiences of joy, wholeness and integrity.  The joy of Jesus, the joy of Christmas can only be ours to the extent that we work with Jesus to bring joy into the lives of others.  Let us remember that Christmas is not complete unless  we  show  real generosity to those who have nothing to give us in return. 
What should we do in preparation for Christmas?  The Jews asked the same question of John.  His answer was: “Repent and reform your lives, and prayerfully wait for the Messiah.” This means that we have to pray from the heart and pray more often.  Our  Blessed  Mother,  in  her  many  apparitions,  has  urgently reminded us of the need  for  more  fervent  and  more  frequent  prayer.   Let  us remember that the Holy Mass is the most powerful of prayers.  We must become a Eucharistic people, receiving the living presence of Jesus in our hearts so that we may be transformed into His image and likeness.  We encounter Jesus in all the Sacraments.  Regular monthly Confession makes us strong and enables us to receive more grace in the Eucharist.  Let us also listen daily to God speaking to us through the Bible.  Perhaps, we may want to pray the rosary daily and fast once a week all year round, not just during Advent and Lent.  After all, we sin all year round, so why not fast also all year round? Let us also find some spare time to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Let us forgive those who have offended us and pray for those whom we have offended.  Finally, let us share our love with others in selfless and humble service, “doing small things but with great love" (Mother Teresa).  As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the coming of God into our lives we need also to remind ourselves that we have been called to be the means of bringing Jesus into other people's lives. 

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