From Our Pastor: 3rd Sunday of Advent

Guadete means “rejoice.” This is the first word of the introit or opening “song” of the Mass. Every Sunday there is a specified introit with comes from the psalms or other parts of Scripture, that is the opening “song” that is supposed to be used at the Mass. If we use these antiphons, we get a much better read for the theme and focus of that day’s Mass, as well as a fuller experience of what God is teaching us through those antiphons. This third Sunday of Advent is a day to rejoice that the time of preparation is nearing an end, which means this day points us looking forward for what we truly are longing and hoping and waiting for; which is to rejoice at the birth of Christ. This Sunday we rejoice at the thought that the time is almost here, BUT it should also be a warning. The warning is this, if you haven’t prepared or readied the way for the Messiah into your heart and life, then you better get on it NOW! It’s almost over! Hurry up! That, too, is what this Sunday tells us. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice! The Lord is near!” This passage from Philippians is the full antiphon for this Sunday. The Lord is near; make ready the way for Him.

This Sunday is also December 12. If you do not know, that is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I place this image that was in the Parish Office in the church by the north confessional in the back of the church by the main door. I wanted her to have a prominent place in our church building as she is the Patroness of the Americas. Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most astounding and miraculous miracles of the Church. If you get a chance, read the story. Read the details about the image, and come to know the effect she had on this continent. Very few conversions were being made to Christ in the Americas, most especially in Mexico, until her appearance to St. Juan Diego. This simple garment emblazoned miraculous with the image of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, has so much to teach us and tell us. She has so much still to do to bring about conversion in the Americas still today. May you know her, may you love this image, and may you allow her to bring your conversion to her Son...today.

-Rev. Steven Arisman