Last full week of Advent invites us to celebrate the love of our Lord
by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
The third Sunday of Advent has arrived. (The fourth Sunday will come and conclude even faster!) The third Sunday invites us to rejoice!
The suggested entrance antiphon is from Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! Indeed, the Lord is near.”
The Responsorial Psalm sentiment rings with rejoicing in the words of Mary’s Magnificat.
The second reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians (1Thes. 5:16-17) states: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
The Alleluia verse from Isaiah 61:1 speaks of “The spirit of the Lord is upon us, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”
In the Gospel, John the Baptist invites us with a sense of urgency to “make straight the way of the Lord.”
As we quickly move toward Christmas, we might ponder: What needs to be straightened in our life so God can come more fully to us?
We don’t journey through life alone. Let us lift up in prayer those who help us discover God-with-us in our everyday lives.
Have a blessed third week! The fourth week of Advent this year is reduced to mere hours. Make this third week count, joyfully!
Thank you, Sr. Carrie, for reminding us to clear the path for Jesus. We are blessed each day with his light and love, so let it shine in the darkness of winter. Thank you!