Rejoice

12-12-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear People of God,

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). We have arrived at Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. Today’s readings take on a joyful tone as we continue our preparations for the feast of our Savior’s birth. We can rejoice because the Eternal Word became Man out of love for us. Jesus came down from heaven to earth out of love for us. He was scourged, and died on the Cross and have Risen again out of love for us. These are all reasons to rejoice!

The first reading captures the festive mood of this season and so calls us to shout for joy! The reason is simple! Our Lord is coming with lots of good packages like: justice, liberation, and peace. Above all, he is ready to visit us personally if we dispose ourselves well. The psalmist also taps on the same string: “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy one of Israel”. Today's Second Reading too says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). St Paul then provides us with a prescription for maintaining this Joy: “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

In today’s Gospel, after preaching the good news of repentance, John the Baptist provoked a great yearning for change in his listeners. We must ask the same question that the people asked John the Baptist: “What must we do?” For our joy to be complete, we must be charitable, forgiving, just, and be modest in our actions. Also, we have to seek reconciliation and live-in peace with one another. Finally, we need patience and constancy in prayer. These will lead us to sanctity and the fullness of joy. May our Jesus fill our hearts with Joy and Peace.

Have a great and Happy Sunday!

Yours in Jesus,
Fr. Doss

BACK TO LIST