Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. Dominus prope est.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. The Lord is near.

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday because of the first words of the introit, a chant that uses a fragment of scripture as an entrance to Mass. Since the Church in the United States typically uses another option, an entrance hymn sung by the congregation, we're not as familiar with these antiphons, but it is from this phrase that we get the theme of this Sunday: Rejoice!

This is a fragment of Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Sometimes we're down in the dumps, or life has overwhelmed us, or we're confronted with illness, unemployment, or death, and rejoicing seems far away and anxiety is the emotion that is closest to home. Being told to rejoice might seem the same as being told to put on a happy face, to ignore the realities of our lives and our sometimes difficult circumstances.

But the joy of the Lord isn't dependent on a sunny day, a football team's winning season, or living a stress-free life. Rejoicing in the Lord, you might say, is "even though". Even though there are tough times, even though we feel disappointment or discontent, God continues to work. In the midst of difficult and despairing situations, it’s OK to continue to hope.

Paul wrote to the Philippians from a prison cell. He’s in a difficult situation, facing an uncertain future but even so he writes a letter that is full of hope. And to his brothers (and sisters) he points out the things of God that are worthy of our hope: truth, honor, justice, beauty. 

When I baptize a baby, I like to talk about the idea that, through baptism, the Savior of the World is saying that he's willing to hold our hand, to be with us, in our greatest joy and in the depths of despair. And I think that this idea of rejoicing in the Lord always is part of that companionship. No matter the circumstances, the Lord is near, and while that doesn't eliminate the frustrations of daily life, perhaps it helps to give me a better perspective. It doesn't sweep our problems under the rug, but it does give us the focus that the future is full of hope, as long as we rejoice, because the Lord is always near.

God bless,
-Mark

Christmas Concert

Join us on Thursday, December 18 at 6:30pm in the church for our annual Christmas Concert. Come and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the season as our students share the joy of Christmas with our parish community. 

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