Third Week of Advent:Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday

Let fearful hearts rejoice!

May trembling hands and weak knees be strengthened.

Let the singing begin.

God comes with healing and purpose, with gladness and light, to set aside our doubts, to free us from the binding shackles of fear. God invites us to believe again in the promise of new life. We are called to acceptance of our present uncertainties. In these days, when many are faced with the need to move, we are reminded that God is present and there is no need to fear. There will be food; there will be warmth; there will be the compassionate ear and the voice of solace. The generous heart will care for the lonely one; the shut-in will be visited. As we respond to the needs of our world and our congregation, we know that God is faithful and we are faithful. We are faithful with God’s faithfulness. We say “Yes” in the ways that Mary and Juan Diego said Yes, knowing that we may not understand the how, but God’s faithful compassion will shine through. God watches over the stranger and God watches over us; God upholds the widow and the orphan and we uphold each other. Let us rejoice in the Spirit that is our strength. May we recall that desert flowers bloom and that Jesus came as the Light for our lives and our world. May we live in compassioate care with each other and with our universe.

Sr Helen Russell, csj