to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench
Saturday, December 12 – is my nephew, Bill’s birthday – so Happy Birthday, Bill – he is the Vermont nephew – December 12th is also the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico) – is the patroness of the Americas – she is honored under this title in a special way in Central and South America – throughout the Latino culture – the Shrine in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near Mexico City – is a very special place – there is something very sacred about the shrine – in the Basilica Church the cloak of St. Juan Diego, that was imprinted with the image of Mary, in the 16th Century – is placed in a special place over the main altar – people bring flowers to the Basilica every day – and the whole church is filled with the aroma of the flowers, especially the roses. One of the wonderful traditions that I learned about while I was there – is that fathers bring their newborn babies to the Basilica – at the main door they kneel down and hold the baby up – and then they approach the main altar on their knees seeking the blessing of Our Lady of Guadalupe – we pray that Mary, the Lady of Guadalupe, will bring peace and love to the people of the Americas.
The Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday
Gaudete – Rejoice – this Sunday is called Gaudete – taking up the theme of Sunday’s liturgy – especially St. Paul’s message to the Philippians (the Second Reading) – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!” and the Old Testament Zephaniah’s message (the First Reading) – “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! The Lord your God is in your midst.” On this Sunday, we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath – rejoice, Christmas is almost here. To celebrate Gaudete Sunday – I put the lights on the Christmas tree at my house – not in Church – not until Christmas.
Our Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent – describes various groups of people coming to John the Baptist with the question, “What should we do?” The preaching of John caused many to question the quality of their lives – that call to be better than you are. They wanted answers – the surprise is that John gave them answers – true servants of God often see with a clarity that stuns the rest of us. I would love to have John here to ask him “What I should do?” – but I must admit I would be a little nervous – however, I have the feeling I know the answer – how I can make my life even better.
The presence of God in our lives – in his Word, in Spirit, in Sacrament and in community – calls us to join in this spirit of rejoicing. Are the problems and struggles of life still near – of course – but God’s presence is deeper and fuller and knowing that God is with us through it all – brings joy. Again, it is Zephaniah who reminds us, “Sing joyfully, O Israel, the Lord your God is in your midst.” The Lord is with us with divine guidance – when we allow our hearts to be turned to the Holy One.
Our joy – from forgiveness and salvation that sets us free – and God’s joy (did you ever think we can make God joyful) – God rejoices and sings, delighting in renewing us in love. So What must you do – you will know.
John points to Jesus – “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Followers of Jesus will be empowered by the Spirit – through our Baptism in the Lord – that Baptism that emboldens us for all manner of ministries.
Joy is more than optimism – Joy is that spirit – founded on our faith and Baptism in the Lord – that moves us to make our lives something special – to change what must be changed – to do what must be done.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, my Father – I pray this day – though the intercession of St. John the Baptist – may I discover the joy of living in your Spirit, my Father – may I spread that joy to all that I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.
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