Gaudete Sunday
  
Rejoicing is the theme of today’s readings on this Gaudete Sunday. We are filled with joy, because the Lord is coming and is almost here! “God is the joy of my soul,” the prophet Isaiah says in the first reading. He truly is my joy, my God, my all.

I have joy because I know what is to come. My Savior, Jesus Christ, will soon be born again. Joy beams in the broad smile that instantly bursts onto my face when I see a friend or family member. I feel joy hearing a child giggle or an adult unexpectedly laugh out loud. I rejoice knowing that the love of the Lord is really present in my life and in the world.

Being human, there are many times that I forget that joy. The words proclaimed in the first reading remind me to make my ways straight, to prepare for His presence in the world and most importantly, in my life. I need to be intimately aware of this Companion on my journey during the highs and lows and turns and twists of life, the gift of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

The “O Antiphons”, which begin annually on the 17th of December, are seven ancient refrains that proclaim titles of the Messiah going back to the 4th century. They are sung or prayed during evening prayer before the Magnificat during the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Each speaks about the coming of the Messiah from prophets of the Old Testament.

“O Wisdom” is today’s refrain before the Gospel. “O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!” I have joy in the wisdom and knowledge of what is to come: my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am aware of the joy of anticipation of a birth or new beginning. It is the gift of metanoia, a change of heart to begin anew with the graces given to me through His humble birth to Mary.

May my soul rejoice in my Lord and Savior! May I be granted a metanoia of heart and spirit to grow in wisdom and knowledge that leads me closer to the glory and wonder of God. Amen! 

By Beth Price