Several weeks ago we encouraged you to sign up for on-line giving. Instead of having to remember your envelopes or writing checks each week, your bank or credit card would automatically do that for you. A number of you did, so thank you. By the way, this week, on the front page of the Sun newspaper, there was an article about how more churches and parishioners are making their contributions through on-line banking. You might want to read it—very interesting. If you would like more information, please call Gina at the parish office.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the warmth of the summer sun becomes a faded memory, and winter storms frequently make their way across the country with snow, ice, and freezing rain, it’s easy to become a little gloomy or depressed. We need a little joy in our lives. And so we celebrate Gaudete Sunday this weekend. The antiphon before Mass from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Phil 4:4-8) tells us:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.”
And we do so as we remember our Lord’s coming into the world 2000 years ago, his promise to return at the end of time, and his continuing coming into us in word and sacrament. Furthermore, he promises us to come along on our journey through life and encourage us during whatever difficulties we encounter along the way.
In the first reading (Is 35:1-6a, 10), the Israelites have lost Jerusalem, been carted off to Babylon, and been living in captivity for a number of years. Their discouragement leads God to show them the future through the prophecy of Isaiah. They will return and experience blind eyes being opened, deaf ears being cleared, mute tongues singing, and the lame leaping like stags. This is what Jesus is doing in the gospel (Matt 11:2-11). The Messiah has come to bring the joy of the kingdom.
So let us too rejoice!
Fr. Carl
