The scripture readings this Third Sunday of Advent are readings filled with hope in the midst of hardship; of joy in the midst of sorrow. “Be strong, fear not!” says Isaiah, because God will save you—it doesn’t matter if you are blind or deaf or mute because “they (we) will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.” The poetic description of a parched land come to life, of people strengthened is a wonderfully ‘alive’ picture of God’s grace and mercy for an oppressed people. John the Baptist is told today that Jesus is healing the people in the way that Isaiah predicted—back then and even today, too. This is a reason to rejoice!
The psalm today tells us that God keeps faith forever with us, and St. James reminds us to live patiently, and without complaining. These are all good things to keep in mind, and good advice to follow.
Having arrived at Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, means we are halfway through Advent to Christmas! Yikes! Time is flying, and we all have lists and are checking them twice… It isn’t easy to keep the reason for the season front and center, but this is what we are called to do. Soon we will officially begin celebrating Christmas while the rest of the world is “done” by December 26th. You will have to do your part to impart the Christmas ideal while the rest of the world is doing New Year’s and looking toward St. Valentine’s Day… But, “Be strong, fear not!” This is today’s Advent message—given by a prophet, so that we may also profess our belief in salvation, regardless of season—sacred or secular. So rejoice!
Keep singing!
Just a Note: I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the effort behind the scenes to help create a wonderful Advent Pageant for our parish. Great thanks for all the hard work and dedication of the members of our St. Aidan Music Ministry—all the vocalists and instrumentalists who worked and practiced and rehearsed in order to sing God’s praises well. Crowns in heaven, people! Thank you to our Faith Formation children who participated in the Pageant, as well as to Mrs. Shannon Price, Mrs. Laura Farrell and Mrs. Allison Turbiak for “corralling the children” for the program. We appreciate you! Thanks to our staff for all your support for this Christian Service Project!
Many abundant thanks for the generosity of our St. Aidan people who supported this program to help to re-fill our food bank in time for our parish Christmas Food Basket Project. May God bless you at Christmas and always!
Elizabeth Dyc
The psalm today tells us that God keeps faith forever with us, and St. James reminds us to live patiently, and without complaining. These are all good things to keep in mind, and good advice to follow.
Having arrived at Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, means we are halfway through Advent to Christmas! Yikes! Time is flying, and we all have lists and are checking them twice… It isn’t easy to keep the reason for the season front and center, but this is what we are called to do. Soon we will officially begin celebrating Christmas while the rest of the world is “done” by December 26th. You will have to do your part to impart the Christmas ideal while the rest of the world is doing New Year’s and looking toward St. Valentine’s Day… But, “Be strong, fear not!” This is today’s Advent message—given by a prophet, so that we may also profess our belief in salvation, regardless of season—sacred or secular. So rejoice!
Keep singing!
Just a Note: I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the effort behind the scenes to help create a wonderful Advent Pageant for our parish. Great thanks for all the hard work and dedication of the members of our St. Aidan Music Ministry—all the vocalists and instrumentalists who worked and practiced and rehearsed in order to sing God’s praises well. Crowns in heaven, people! Thank you to our Faith Formation children who participated in the Pageant, as well as to Mrs. Shannon Price, Mrs. Laura Farrell and Mrs. Allison Turbiak for “corralling the children” for the program. We appreciate you! Thanks to our staff for all your support for this Christian Service Project!
Many abundant thanks for the generosity of our St. Aidan people who supported this program to help to re-fill our food bank in time for our parish Christmas Food Basket Project. May God bless you at Christmas and always!
Elizabeth Dyc
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