Today the emphasis is on JOY. Today’s celebration reminds us- that despite the struggles we experience we have ample reason to hope because of God’s goodness.
The message of our First Reading: the prophet Isaiah sought to comfort a weary people (Boy! How we can relate to this because of the coronavirus). It is a message of liberation and lasting divine favor:
Isaiah’s response: “I rejoice heartily in the Lord; in my God is the joy of my soul.”
SOUL: Here is our Blessed Mother’s take on it:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Mary’s rejoicing centers on the Lord’s greatness and her “lowliness.” A very similar disposition as John the Baptist had:
“I am not the Christ.”
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“the one coming after me; I am not worthy to even untie his sandal strap.”
Lowliness
Humility
Mary also praises God for “filling the hungry with good things.”
The economically poor – like Juan Diego to whom the Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared (her feast day was yesterday)
So, Gaudete Sunday – joyful praise.
What brings you joy?
The laugh of a child
A good (clean) joke
A special piece of music (“O’ Happy Day”)
Reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas
Quality time with a good friend
The beauty of nature
The joy of giving, especially at this time of the year
The Lord is near to
encourage and to comfort
You.
Rejoice in the Lord always
For the Lord is near.
“Joy trembles on smiling lips
and shines from the eyes.”*
Joy lifts our spirits, in spite of
the woes of the world.
We praise God for loving us
and having compassion on us.
AMEN
* By Rita Ferrone
Fr. Max Oliva, S.J.
December 13, 2020
