THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Dec.13, 2015 REJOICE!

Written by Fr. Fitz Thursday, 10 December 2015 11:21

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say Rejoice! Introit

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say Rejoice!

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! First Reading

This Sunday is all about the joy that emanates from HOPE.

As winter dark envelops us and we seem to live in the shadow of terror, this is a special and opportune time to renew our hope. And so I share a reflection from my book: Living in the Shadow of Terror:

" But hope is not hope if its object is seen. How is it possible for one to hope for what one sees? And hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient endurance."

Romans 8:24-25

At the end of the old century, our minds were cocooned in certainty.

Advertising was our assurance of perfection.

We could purchase everything.

And the market went up, up and away.

We grew satisfied and complacent.

Life was on an aimed trajectory.

We had our eyes on a target.

And we were in complete control.

We had conquered the moon.

And we were on our way to Mars.

When certainty prevails, hope wanes.

What more is ther to hope for?

 

The new century ushered in uncertainty. 

And thus an opportunity for hope to thrive.

Hope comes alive when we are unsure.

When we ecounter doubts and fears.

It is then that we need hope.

And she comes always valiant,

to walk by our side.

Hope does not flourish on the brightest day.

Hope comes alive on the darkest of nights.

******************

Postscript:

"Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters,

and we must act as such."

Pope Francis on Twitter

"I think Donald Trump's proposal to ban all Muslims from entry to the USA is an affrot to the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Christopher..Catholic Aliance For The Common Good

( If you would like to tell Donald so, GOOGLE:

 Catholic Alliance For The Common Good.)