December 12-13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday – REJOICE
Zephaniah 3:14-18 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:10-18
‘One if by land, two if by sea.’ ’10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5. 4, 3, 2, 1, …..’ Be it the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere or the countdown to a spectacular launch…these expressions speak of something ABOUT TO HAPPEN. In the same way, this week’s passages from Scripture speak of the dawning, a renewal, of a most wonderful awareness: the holy one of God is in our midst! The Letter of Paul to the Philippians is very direct in urging us to ‘REJOICE…The Lord is near!’ On Gaudete Weekend we have crossed the midpoint threshold and Christmas is about to rush upon us. Please note that we are urged to REJOICE….not be merely pleased or happy. A quality of our Catholic-Christian spirituality is that the Incarnation (God becoming human) of Jesus is all about our JOY and not merely our happiness. JOY can be present even in the midst of suffering and pain, loss and sorrow….happiness usually is the first to flee when things get difficult or uncomfortable. As mentioned on the First Weekend of Advent, the season is about reawakening our grasp of seeking the grace of God and the face of Jesus of Nazareth in every aspect of our lives. With our eyes and souls so attuned, we are able to face even the most disturbing of news with the comfort of knowing that God is with us…and in that there is security and strength. The simple acknowledgement that God finds us worthy of his presence is a PRETTY BIG DEAL in and of itself…and a good reason to not just be merely happy….but to REJOICE. We haven’t blown it, we haven’t made ourselves un-loveable, we are not homeless vagrants, we still find favor with God…and HE HIMSELF is drawing closer and closer…..SOMETHING/SOMEONE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN! Get ready……
How wonderful to celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent with our Corpus Christi Family, thank you for joining with us on this special weekend. Please take a Bulletin with you as you depart, lots coming up in the weeks ahead. Please note that our BOOTSTRAP Ministry is offering Christmas Tamales and Enchiladas for sale after all the Masses. Bootstraps helps to offset the costs of our assorted Youth Ministry (JAMs and HAVEN) activities…your generosity is always appreciated. In addition, this weekend we accept a SPECIAL SECOND Collection to assist in the financial needs of our Retired Religious men and women throughout the United States…AND….our own retired Diocesan Clergy of the Diocese of Orange. The basket will be present on the altar for your consideration at the end of Mass. This Wednesday is the occasion of our Advent Reconciliation Services at 10:00 a.m. (one priest) and at 7:00 p.m. (5 priests.) NEXT Sunday is the occasion of our Annual Rectory Christmas Open House, the Bulletin has details and directions…consider yourselves invited! When the frenzy of the season gets you a bit weary…or when you feel a bit overwhelmed, remember….you are loved (and REJOICED over!!!) FKB
