3rd Sunday of Advent (December 17, 2023)

On this Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday, we rejoice “greatly” because the marvellous work of salvation and restoration that God accomplished for Israel, God also works in our own lives.
All of us at times feel “oppressed” and “broken-hearted”, but we must rejoice “always… without ceasing…in all circumstances.” St. Paul dares to ask that we rejoice even if a loved one has recently died, to give thanks even if we are unemployed, and to keep praying even as we dine on the bitter dish of failure. And St. Paul more than anyone knows whereof he speaks.
Each one of us is called to proclaim clearly that Jesus Christ is the Lord of Life. John was not willing to take any honour for himself, but he spoke plainly about Jesus’ coming. When we proclaim Christ, we must be sure to proclaim all that Christ does as well; we must preach “liberty to captives and release to prisoners;” peace to worried mothers and comfort to the aged and suffering.
The ultimate pro-life message is this: “The Glory of God is man fully alive”. So with St. Paul let us ask God to sanctify us “entirely” and justify our hope that the One who calls us “will do this”.

That the Lord who comes to bring liberty and justice may inspire us to secure protection for our unborn sisters and brothers, we pray to the Lord ...