Gaudete Sunday

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday.” The Latin name is taken from St. Paul’s appeal in the second reading to “ rejoice always in the Lord,” and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the joy and love of God.
 
We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and evil around us.
 
As we prepare to celebrate with joy the Birth of the Messiah, we must be mindful that all over the world today, Christian men, women, and children are in real danger of poverty, persecution, and even death simply because they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and want to shape their lives by that belief.
 
The Gospel passage, from St. Luke, shows us how to live, making our lives a “ Christmas gift” to Christ in joyful response to His love for us. When the crowds hear John the Baptist’s message that their Savior is coming, they ask him what they should do to prepare. He responds, “ Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do the same.” He tells tax collectors to stop collecting more than is prescribed and soldiers, to be satisfied with their wages. In other words, he tells them to be good and generous stewards of all God’s gifts to them! As the great feast of Christmas draws near, let us rejoice in Christ’s love. Let’s avail ourselves of the peace He longs to give us. And let’s look carefully at our lives to make sure we are indeed making of them a gift fitting for Him.
 
God Bless,
Fr. Pawel