Advent 2020 Week 3

Rejoice!

 “Rejoice in the Lord, always: 

again, I say, rejoice. 

Indeed, the Lord is near.” 

Our week begins with “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. It comes from the first word of the Entrance antiphon on Sunday. The spirit of joy that begins this week comes from the words of Paul, “The Lord is near.” This joyful spirit is marked by the third candle of our Advent wreath, which is rose colored, and the rose-colored vestments often used at the Eucharist. 

Our Readings for this Gaudete Sunday begin with this hope-filled passage from Isaiah 61: 

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, 

because the LORD has anointed me; 

he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, 

to heal the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives 

and release to the prisoners, 

to announce a year of favor from the LORD 

and a day of vindication by our God. Isaiah 61 

Jesus quotes from this passage from Isaiah. In the synagogue, early in his public ministry, he was given this scroll to read. This passage was very familiar to the Jewish community as it relates to the prophecy of the release of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. 

All eyes were fixed on him as he rolled up the scroll and proclaimed, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”, referring to himself (Luke 4:21). Can you imagine?? Can you imagine the thoughts going through their minds? “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 

Imagine you are there hearing these words. How would I receive this message of hope? Might we ask ourselves - What is being held captive within me that requires release and liberty? 

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians clearing encourages rejoicing: 

Rejoice Always! Pray without ceasing! In ALL circumstances give Thanks! Do Not Quench the Spirit! 

I do not know about you, but this is an extremely tough order in 2020! We have all had a challenging year, however let us give it our best shot. We have heard the promises and we beg for more hope.   

This week we pray for His saving help and to hear His personal invitation to turn to Him, to find our safety in Him alone. 

This week I invite us to reflect on the following: 

·        How might I yet place more of my trust in God's love for me? 

·        How might I yet surrender my fear of the unknown? 

·        How might my heart grow in anticipation and welcome of the fullness of His coming to me this coming year? 

 De Colores – Tom   

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