During the Season of Advent, we are called to reflect on the threefold coming of Christ into the world: the Nativity of the Lord at Christmas, the Lord’s everyday presence in our lives, and his Second Coming at the End of Days. Ever mindful of this sacred and timeless calling, we pause on the Third Sunday of Advent (also known as Gaudete Sunday) to rejoice in everything that Jesus has done and will do for us.

At Mass, we cry out with the psalmist: “The Lord God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who were bowed down. The Lord loves the just; the Lord protects strangers. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, through all generations (Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10).” Indeed, we have good reason to rejoice and give thanks!

As Christians, our joy is unique. It springs from the heart, from the core of our being, because we know deep down that Jesus is forever close to us. He lives among us. He walks beside us. He suffers with us. He rejoices with us. Today. Tomorrow. Always. No matter who we are. No matter what we have done. Jesus is here, reaching out, offering us his gifts of friendship, love, and mercy. We may turn away from him, but he will never turn away from us. Pope Francis says: “Thanks to his help, we can always begin again (12-15-13).”

Some may doubt that such new beginnings are possible. Some may say that God looms over our lives in judgment. Some say that this person or that person is going to hell because of their past, their present, their politics, their way of life. Pope Francis says: “This is wrong! You can begin from scratch! Why? Because Jesus is waiting for you, he is close to you, he loves you, he is merciful, he forgives you, he gives you the strength to begin again from scratch! Everyone! As so, we are able to reopen our eyes, overcome sadness and mourning, and strike up a new song (12-15-13)!” If we take this advice into our hearts, we can joyfully sing: “God is love! The name of God is mercy!”

We begin again by embracing the gift of faith. We begin again by resolving to love God and serve others. We begin again by building and strengthening our relationship with Jesus through daily prayer and the sacraments. We begin again by turning away from the anger and materialism of the world and turning toward the simple gifts of faith, hope, and love. We begin again by being good, doing good, and aspiring to goodness in all that we think, say, and do. We begin again by pausing, taking a breath during this hectic season, and opening our hearts and minds to the everlasting joy that Jesus offers us.

Pope Francis says: “May the Virgin Mary help us to hasten our steps to Bethlehem, to encounter the Child who is born for us, for the salvation and joy of all people. To her, the angel said: ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!’ May she obtain for us the grace to live the joy of the Gospel in our families, at work, in our parishes, and everywhere — an intimate joy, fashioned of wonder and tenderness (12-15-13).” As our Advent journey continues, may each of us discover anew the joy that comes, the joy that never abandons, and the joy that comes again and again into our lives! Lord, come and save us! Alleluia!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-11-22)
Bringing Home the Word (12-11-22)
The Kids Bulletin (12-11-22)

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Call to Prayer
A Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day – Monday, December 12th