REFLECTION

Gospel

I Am With You Always

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “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. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. Luke 3: 10-18

Reflection

This third week of Advent beginning Sunday, sees the lighting of the PINK candle on our Advent wreaths and the celebration of Gaudete Sunday and many of our priests will wear pink vestments. But Gaudete Sunday is about more than just a change in colour. It is a time during the Advent season when we look with joy to the coming of Jesus and recognize His presence in our lives right now.

In the readings at Mass this coming weekend the obvious theme is rejoicing. Sometimes called a mini Lent, Advent is a time of penitential, prayerful anticipation, and yet Gaudete Sunday provides us something of a respite, a chance to feed our hope. It is a moment of JOY in the midst of prayerful preparation. In fact, Gaudete is more than an invitation, it is a command of the Church to rejoice. Jesus is coming to earth. So let us rejoice, the Lord is near.

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader