Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete Sunday; that is, the Sunday of joy. In the Liturgy the invitation rings out several times to rejoice, why? Because the Lord is near. Christmas is near. The Christian message is called the ‘Gospel’; i.e. ‘good news’, an announcement of joy for all people; the Church is not a haven for sad people, the Church is a joyful home! And those who are sad find joy in her, they find in her true joy! However, the joy of the Gospel is not just any joy. It consists in knowing one is welcomed and loved by God. As the Prophet Isaiah reminds us today (cf. 35:1-6a, 8a, 10), God is he who comes to save us and who seeks to help, especially those who are fearful of heart. His coming among us strengthens us, makes us steadfast, gives us courage, makes the desert and the steppe rejoice and blossom; that is, when our lives becomes arid. And when do our lives become arid? When they lack the water of God’s Word and his Spirit of love. However great our limitations and dismay, we are not allowed to be sluggish and vacillating when faced with difficulty and our own weakness.
Angelus, December 15, 2013 - Pope Francis
Rejoice! Is it possible to rejoice? Much of the news, the stories we tell, deal with the what is wrong with the world, or what is wrong with others. This is a reality. This does not mean that we have no reason to rejoice. Even in the dark moments of the world, or in our lives, God is present. It is easy to see how God is with us in the good times. But as people of faith, we must look for God in the darkness. God comes as light in the darkness of the world, of our lives. We need to search. We need to reflect. We need to pray. In doing so, we will find many reasons to rejoice.
Angelus, December 15, 2013 - Pope Francis
Rejoice! Is it possible to rejoice? Much of the news, the stories we tell, deal with the what is wrong with the world, or what is wrong with others. This is a reality. This does not mean that we have no reason to rejoice. Even in the dark moments of the world, or in our lives, God is present. It is easy to see how God is with us in the good times. But as people of faith, we must look for God in the darkness. God comes as light in the darkness of the world, of our lives. We need to search. We need to reflect. We need to pray. In doing so, we will find many reasons to rejoice.