Throughout this Advent season we are called to prepare for the Lord’s coming by repenting our sins, removing obstacles that make it difficult for us to recognize his approach, and remaining watchful for his arrival. But, today we rejoice (in Latin Gaudete) because we focus on the knowledge that the One whom we await comes to embrace us, transform us, and redeem us. Gathered together in joy, we look forward as always, to His coming.
If the first half of the first reading sounds familiar, it may be because this is the passage that Jesus reads in the synagogue at the beginning of his ministry. He proclaims that this scripture passage has been fulfilled in their hearing. Jesus is with us as we gather today, and Isaiah’s words are fulfilled now as well. Jesus continues to bring glad tidings, healing, justice, favor, and vindication.
In darkness, the first need is for light. At any given time the world can be full of darkness, but lately it seems like the darkness threatens to overwhelm us. Wars abroad. Strife at home. Covid-19, mass shootings, natural disasters, personal illness, relational problems, and on and on. But into all this darkness comes a light. The Kingdom of God has drawn near to us in Christ and we respond with joy when we realize that He comes to us, for us, and remains with us.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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