The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 7, 2003
Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126:1-6
Philippians 1:4-6,8-11
Luke 3:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Opening Prayer at today's Mass reads: Let us pray that nothing may hinder us from receiving Christ with joy. This prayer intimates something that many might be experiencing; namely, that they don't feel much joy. Even though it isn't surprising that the cares and worries of the world are many, it is often surprising that, for those who try to conform their hearts and minds to those of Christ, they should feel little joy.

It is because of these real human experiences, that we're in such great need of the Savior -- to be reminded that the Light will come and all Darkness will be dispelled. Jesus is the wellspring of joy -- Goodness has conquered Evil! There is good reason for hope, but if it were not for the faith-fortifying words of Holy Scripture and the life-giving effects of the Sacraments, there would be real cause for worry, real sadness.

Let us not be trapped into the prison of our emotions, but utilize instead the gifts that God has granted us to evoke an interior sense of joy.

The windings shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth. (Luke 3:5)

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:52 AM