Letter from the Pastor
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December 12, 2021When I was in Catholic grammar school, we had, of course, religion class the first class of the day. For a few years we had something else called Bible History. It was a gray covered book, and told the story of Salvation history beginning of course with Adam and Eve and the snake wrapped around a tree talking to Eve, while Adam was looking away. The book continued with the story of God and the Hebrew people down through the ages. The promises God made to the people through Noah, the patriarchs and prophets, King David et. al. culminating with the promise of the Messiah.
Then Part II of the book began with the wild-looking John the Baptist promising and waiting for the fulfillment of the promises. The Annunciation, the Visitation and the Christmas Story told by Sts. Matthew and Luke. The little gray book showed the one continuous, whole and complete story of God and His love of the people.
I wish I kept that book, because so often, for the sake of education, we break things down to study the parts, especially now in educational circles, we never bring it back to a synthesis, or the whole. When studying the history of the Hebrew people and God, one can easily see how God worked His plan.
Today at 3:00PM, we will hear the wonderful and complete story of how humanity through Adam and Eve sinned or disobeyed God, and how humanity became estranged by the infinite sin of our first parents. How God did not abandon us to ourselves, and how early on He promised a Savior. When all things were just right, the Savior was born, and all that followed. The Book ended with story of Pentecost, when the Church was born.
The Incarnation of God in Jesus of Nazareth is a most profound mystery, after the mystery of the Resurrection. It produced the world’s most beautiful music and art, from all the great Masters down through the ages. There is something about the story of Mary, Joseph andahe Babe that has forever brought peace and joy to the world, for at least one day out of the year.
I invite you to come today at 3:00PM to relive through the short 9 readings of Salvation History, to hear and sing along with the most beautiful music of Christmas. The Ceremony should last no longer than an hour, and then we will have a small reception in Toner Hall. Spend an hour of your time to hear our wonderful choir and relive the sacred moments of our Salvation History.
Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent (13 days to Christmas). Gaudete (=rejoice) Sunday receives its name from the opening word of today’s Entrance Antiphon, which in turn was taken from St. Paul’s command to the Church at Thesssalonica, as he wrote from prison, “Rejoice Always, again I say rejoice.”
We are commanded to be joyful, for “‘tis the season.” Joy is a virtue, a holy habit, a key element within the Christian lifestyle. It is no accident that the angels brought news of great joy. The news of Christ’s birth is a cause for celebration. When you look at the life of Christ, one thing that stands out is that He had a keen sense of humor. He liked to tease and exaggerate His points of argument.
This playful and joyful side of Christ was also evident in His appreciation of children. He liked having them around. He appreciated their innocence and their appreciation for life. “For the Kingdom of God belongs to just such as these”, He taught. He describes this kingdom in terms of banquets, parties, wedding celebrations, etc. All of these are events where people have fun, where joy is in abundance.
As Christians we ought to be upbeat people. We should live our lives with an enthusiasm and zest that reflects the way in which this good news permeates our hearts and lives. Laughter, excitement, singing should be commonplace among us. Such joy uplifts us, dispels the sadness of life and has a healing quality to it. Our joy is based on what God has done and continues to do for us.
Christian joy doesn’t deny the pain in life. We don’t ignore the sacrifice and the imperfection of our human existence. True Christian joy is experienced even in the midst of suffering. It’s like a rose, (the color of the vestments for today). We accept the thorns, yet the beautiful fragrance and blossoms bring us joy. We might pass through illness, uncertainty or rough days, and our passing feelings come and go, through happy moments and sad moments, but a way of life and seeing life as joyful, acknowledges the fact, that in the end, everything will be well.
In this season of joy, we should pray that God open our hearts to joy. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
And as St. Paul commanded: “Rejoice”!
