Zephaniah 3:14-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 3:10-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121309.shtml
"REJOICE SUNDAY"
"With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." —Isaiah 12:3
Today is "Gaudete Sunday" or "Rejoice Sunday." We are rejoicing because
Jesus is real and Christmas is real. We will receive Jesus' love in an
ever deeper way this Christmas season, which will begin in just twelve
days. Christmas is not just a holiday when we engage in various customs
and ceremonies. Christmas is not merely recalling the past but
experiencing Jesus' love in the present.
Therefore, we can hardly help but "shout for joy" and "sing joyfully" (Zep
3:14). We are "glad and exult with all" our hearts (Zep 3:14). Considering
the reality of Christmas, we must "rejoice in the Lord always! I say it
again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)
The Lord Himself does not just observe our joy but rejoices with us. "The
Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over
you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully
because of you, as one sings at festivals" (Zep 3:17-18). In fact, we can
rejoice with Jesus' joy (Jn 15:11). We can have "complete" joy (Jn 15:11),
which no one can take from us (Jn 16:22). The rejoicing in our lives and
even in our cities can rise to fever pitch (Acts 8:8).
Happy "Rejoice Sunday"!
Prayer: Father, give me Your divine joy.
Promise: "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire." —Lk 3:16
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus Who not only awaits our arrival in heaven,
but rejoices with us right now! Alleluia! We rejoice in You, Jesus, and
exalt Your holy name.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "The Truth Will Set You Free".)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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