My soul rejoices in my God
Today we celebrate ‘Joyful’ Sunday. We light the rose-coloured candle in the Advent wreath.
The colour of the liturgy is rose colour. It is a celebratory colour.
We are now in the third week of Advent.
Christmas is getting closer. This is indeed an occasion of joy.
Advent is a time of reflection and action. Reflection is very important. It is necessary if we are going to grow, to change.
However, in the wisdom of the liturgy we are reminded to balance our reflection with celebration.
As the earth makes fresh things grow; as a garden makes seeds spring up; so will the Lord make both integrity and praise spring up in the sight of the nations (1st reading).
In the Gospel of today, John the Baptist calls out for us to prepare the way for the Lord, to make a straight way for the Lord.
John was a great man, but Jesus is much greater. “I am not fit to undo his sandal strap.”
Reflecting in prayer on the blessings in our life is indeed an occasion to be grateful. Gratefulness is liberating.
St. Paul in the second reading says ‘Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God”.
God has called you and he will not fail you.
Jesus says that we are not orphans because we have a loving God who loves us more than any parent or lover ever could.
Committing ourselves to a life of virtue, keeping to the narrow road that leads to life, will help us know that love, that only God can give.
Then we can truly exclaim “my soul rejoices in my God”.
