Today is Gaudete Sunday. A Latin word meaning rejoice because the Lord is near. In the Gospel, we find John in prison. Certainly, he wasn’t joy-filled. He was waiting execution. Did he need reassurance that he had not labored in vain? He sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” John’s time was short. Concerned his followers would fall away once he died, he wanted his disciples to know for themselves that Jesus was the Messiah.
Jesus reminds John’s disciples of the wonders he has done. He lists them; the deaf hear, the blind see, lepers are cleansed, and the poor have the good news preached to them. He has done what Isaiah had prophesied.
So, when we hear our Lord in his Word and receive him in communion, let us echo John’s question: “Are you the one my heart is searching for?” Let us try to put aside the busyness and craziness of the season and concentrate on preparing our hearts for the divine presence in us and among us. Let him convince us of his love and grace. Then we can and will rejoice in the Lord always.
Love, Peace, Joy
Fr. Bob
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