As we’ve been contemplating repentance in our lives and our hearts during the first two weeks of Advent, this third week there is a shift, a new direction if you will. The third candle is lit, rose in color on this Gaudete Sunday, and there is movement of JOY and celebration for what is coming.
The theme or representation of the color change is the Shepherd candle or the candle of JOY. That of which is coming and approaching rather quickly. Do we forget about the repentance part of Advent now? Do we look only to the JOY that Christ is about to bring through His birth? I believe it is an equal balance of both. One in which repentance brings us to that JOY the Lord gives to each of us. “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert … make straight the way of the Lord.” Words spoken by John the Baptist who paved the way for Christ’s coming. How are we doing with that? Are we making “straight the way of the Lord”? As I reflected on that line, I look at how my time is being spent in preparation for the birth of our Lord. Daily Holy hour √, Office of the Liturgy √, daily Mass √, being the face of Christ to those I encounter … hmmm. I would like to think I have been most of the time, but snapping back at someone that snapped at me...that’s not being the face of Christ. Is that bringing about JOY to every person and in every circumstance I encounter? My friends, that JOY we celebrate isn’t a false smile or dull emotion, it is our hearts on fire for something amazing to come. It’s done through reflection, adoration, attending Mass, doing and not just ignoring Advent or going through the motions. Joy is trusting when you want to doubt. Joy is receiving what you want to reject. Joy is celebrating when you want to fear. May the Joy of this Advent Season awaken us to the call in the desert, He is coming, He is truly coming! Blessings for a fruitful week, Fr. Barry
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Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stay Connected with Our ParishWelcome from Our PastorWelcome to Christ the King Catholic Church! Ever since 1938 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Our mission statement is essentially found in the stained glass window above the main altar: “For Christ our King.” Insofar as God made us and we belong to Him, we have come to... Read More
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