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Showing posts from December, 2015

Deacon Greg's Homily 12-13-15

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice, for indeed, the Lord is near.” This is what St. Paul wrote to the Philippians, and this is what is announced as we celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent. For these past two weeks of Advent, we have quietly proclaimed the Lord’s Coming. Today offers us the opportunity to worship with JOY, for now the Lord is near. Joy is a gift from the Lord, who is our first and greatest gift, and the only one that will never tarnish or break or fade. “Gow-DAY-tay,” the Latin word for rejoice, reminds us that while the gift has not yet arrived, it is very near. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” In happy times during our Advent journey, this third Sunday is a moment to stop and reflect on the source of true joy; that is, as Paul tells us, “the peace