Dear Friends
We are already into the third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, so called from the first word of the antiphon at the introit. Gaudete (“Rejoice), taken from the Latin translation of Philippians 4:4-5, sets a tone of joyful expectation for the Lord’s birth and Second Coming, as does the use of rose-colored vestments by the priests.
At this time in Advent, the church helps us to walk in the shoes of the people of Israel and the many God-fearing prophets and kings who awaited eagerly the coming of the Messiah. Apart from the great prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Malachi, we have John the Baptist who helped prepare the people of his time for the first coming of the Savior with great vigor, certitude, and zeal. He was fearless and forceful. John was one of the highly respected prophets in the Old Testament. Jesus himself quotes the scripture to tell us of the greatness of John as: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.” Further more he lavishes one of the highest accolades on John saying: Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11: 10-11). As we look back to the days of the Old Testament and see how our ancestors in faith looked with longing expectation for the coming of the Messiah, so may we take delight in the ongoing visits of our Savior in our lives. From the 17th December we will be using the “O” antiphons extensively to suggest that we are in the final days of Advent. Let us joyfully await the birth of our Savior.
Today I want to launch something that will help bond us as a community of believers. I have always believed that our Parish Community is one big large family. We are trying to provide every possible avenue in which you could bond with people and feel that special connection. Please make use of all of the ministries/Bible Study groups/pilgrimages/ CRHP/ CCW to get to know more people from our parish who will be your extended family. If anyone in our parish should feel you are alone then you have failed in reaching out or we have failed in recognizing your situation. Please feel belonged. One of the most vital links that connects all of us is our Catholic Faith. Even though we might not know everyone in our parish what connects us is the fact that we belong to SJE.
Today we are launching the SJE FAMILY PRAYER CARD that will further more connect us in spirit. I strongly urge everyone of you to use the proposed prayers at 6 p.m. everyday. I know we are too busy for a lengthy prayer time as a family. This prayer is intended to take care of it. All you need is a possible 5 minutes. You can design your day to try to pray this as family. It could be before your meal or after the meal. If for some reason you cannot make it at 6 p.m. please pray it at any other time that is convenient. This prayer is designed to include all the important characteristics of a Christian Prayer. At the back of the card we even have the basic prayers such as Our Father and Hail Mary printed so our children will gradually know them by heart. If you should need more cards please visit the office so you could have it in your car and pray it anytime that suits you. There is such power to prayer when we as a family pray it together. Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton, one of our own Holy Cross Priests, had coined this catchy phrase which captures the importance of praying as a family: “A Family that Prays together, Stays together.”
May we pray with eager and joyful expectation, firm faith, and hope for the continued presence of our Savior in our lives that God might use us as his instruments to bring his love to the world.
With Love,
Fr. John