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:

• “glad tidings to the poor”
• “healing of the brokenhearted”
• “release to prisoners”

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

* By Rita Ferrone

Fr. Max Oliva, S.J.
December 13, 2020