3rd Sunday of Advent
Isaiah
61:1-2, 10-11; I Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Directing Joy
by
Br. M. Jacob Orcutt
Today is
traditionally known as “Gaudete” Sunday, a translation from the Latin
of the first word of the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass – “Gaudete”
(Rejoice); it sets a joyful tone for the coming birth of the Lord
as recommended by both Isaiah and St. Paul.
Today’s readings also deal with joy, a joy
which cannot be found overnight. True joy is found in serving
others. Notice how unselfish John the Baptist is in never taking
any glory for himself but directing everything and everyone to
Jesus. In these troubled times many are looking for something
more, something to give them hope, something or someone they can lean
on. It should be our joy, by word and example, to point to Jesus
as the answer to their searching.
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