From the Pastor’s Desk: December 16, 2018

"Gaudete in Domino semper - Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4: 4)
 
     The lighting of the third rose-colored candle of the Advent Wreath brings us closer to the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.  The theme for the Third Sunday of Advent is “joy” and comes from the words of St. Paul who tells us to rejoice: "Rejoice in the Lord always." The liturgy of this Sunday echoes the words of the apostle to support its meaning and significance as we celebrate “Gaudete” Sunday. The word “Gaudete” means, “rejoice” or “be happy”.  Today, we are invited to reflect on the authentic happiness and joy as Christians! What is true happiness? It is being near Jesus; unhappiness- losing Him.
 
     The dictionary defines “joy” as an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.  It is also defined as a state of happiness or felicity.  In Catholicism, joy is a state of soul equated with happiness and it is also defined as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  Joy, therefore, is not to be understood as something superficial or immature.  The person who is filled with Christian joy possesses an immense treasure because the true Christian can smile and laugh even in the middle of the most terrible adversities and sufferings. 
 
     This is the joy of Advent and joy of our daily life – Jesus is very near us. Happiness and joy should be essential to our Christian life. Because our happiness is not an ordinary one, but the happiness of Christ, who Himself is our primary source of joy. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta used to say: “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” We need to be joyfully present in order to relate and to embrace one another with “the net of love.” In order to love, we are called to action. To respond to this action gives us joy – the purest appreciation of the other in ourselves.
 
     Although we are invited to rejoice today, many of us struggle to live a life filled with joy. Many often wonder what they should do to truly live and experience the essence of the meaning of this Sunday. I believe that to live a joyful life we need to adjust our behaviors and attitude to make Jesus the center of our lives. As we listen to the preaching of John the Baptist, we, too, need to respond to people in the way Jesus would. We, too, need to make His fire well up in our hearts so that our actions and deeds would conform our lives more perfectly to His. We, too, need to make ourselves authentic preachers of the same Good News Jesus preached. We need to make ourselves one with Him – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That is the direction to live a joyful life!!!!
 
     It is with true joy that I share with you that the work to repair the church roof is underway. Last week the contractor mobilized the site and began the work. We hope that the length of this project is about 6-8 weeks (weather permitting). I ask for your patience, collaboration, understanding and most importantly prayers during this time to assure a smooth and on-time completion. I also want to express my profound words of gratitude and thanks to everyone who already supported the roof repairs project. As of early last week, we have collected over $81,000.00– Thank you!
 
     As we approach the last full week before Christmas, let us take to heart this Sunday’s message and let us rejoice as the Lord is near!
 
     Have a blessed week!
 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy