Dear John,

Happy Gaudete Sunday, Family! The word “Gaudete” (meaning “rejoice”) is the first word of today’s Entrance Antiphon.

Today, we can truly rejoice because the Lord is drawing near. We are moving ever closer to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord.

We can rejoice because the Eternal Word became Man out of love for us. Jesus, then, lived 33 years on earth out of love for us. He was mocked, scourged, and died on the Cross out of love for us. These are all reasons to rejoice!

And now, through the light of faith we find our Beloved, and, by His grace, may be eternally with Him in Heaven. This is why we should always rejoice in the Lord, for He is near.

And if anxiety ever creeps into our lives, overtaking our joy, we should remember St. Paul’s words in today’s second reading, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

God wants us to live in peace, to rejoice in Him, to love Him. He is our Father and therefore wants us to be truly happy. To be clear, this does not mean mere pleasure. No, the Father wants us to have true joy that can only come from Him, our dear “Abba.”

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6

Second reading: Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel: St. Luke 3:10-18

Here are a few EWTN programs that will bring you closer to Our Lord and Our Lady:

GUADALUPE MYSTERIES

December 12, 1:30 PM, 10:00 PM

Miracle Hunter Michael O’Neill explores the famed apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the mysteries of one of history's most unexplained objects, the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego. (60 mins.)

CATHOLIC SCOTLAND

December 13-15, 5:30 PM

Embark on a spiritual journey to discover the rich history of the Church in Scotland, and see how the faith is celebrated by Catholics today in this original EWTN miniseries. (30 mins.)

RECLAIMING THE CAROL

December 17, 5:00 PM
December 23, 10:00 PM

A heartwarming tale about a stage manager caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, who discovers the true meaning of the day when visited by the spirit of Charles Dickens. (60 mins.)

All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.

I pray that you have a Sunday filled with joy, joy in the Lord Jesus.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are moved by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones. And if you would like to receive a free eBook that includes all of my Advent and Christmas reflections, please visit: ewtn.com/adventreflections.