Today’s Readings:
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
Rejoice always. Why should I rejoice? Because the Lord is near. The One we are waiting for is close at hand. It is the third Sunday of Advent. There is only one Sunday left for us to prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas. And there is the tendency for us to be distracted and discouraged. Our whole life is a preparation to meet Christ at the end of our lives and on Judgment Day. Doubt can set in. Fear can trail us. Discouragement can come from within and without. Goodness and holiness of life can begin to feel boring. We begin to crave bursts of excitement—some harmless and others harmful. What we truly crave is joy. What is joy?
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a permanent disposition to receive divine assurance. Joy is not happiness. Happiness is temporary. It is a burst of excitement when your favourite team scores during a crucial match. It is that high that hits your brain when you eat a delicious meal. It is a euphoric feeling from alcohol, sex and drugs. It does not last. Increased dosage does not make it better. As the feeling of happiness lifts you, it will surely obey gravity and bring you down. God alone can give you joy. Material things will fail. People will disappoint you. Politicians and preachers will ‘fall ya in hand’. But God ALWAYS keeps His promises.
How do you experience joy?
Flee from sin and do good always.
Pray always and invite God into your heart and into all that you do each day.
Receive Jesus in the Eucharist and listen to Him in the Scriptures.
Trust God and do not put your trust in people.
Thank God in every situation, whether good or bad.
Do not extort others or cheat them.
Be generous to those who ask you and those you see to be in need.
Do not bully or intimidate anyone —use your strength and talent to defend and support others.
Work hard and be contented with what you have.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May the Holy Spirit fill you with boundless joy.
May the peace which exceeds all understanding fill your heart.
May your generosity unlock divine favour to you.
By the confession of your sins, God will heal you.
By your kindness to the weak, God will strengthen you.
By your patience with the struggling, God will comfort you.
By your truthfulness and integrity, God will prosper you.
By your faithfulness to God, you shall be saved forevermore. Amen.
May God grant you boundless joy and a peace that exceeds all understanding through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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