The call to joy dominates the first readings and resounds as an unusual command,
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The call to joy dominates the first readings and resounds as an unusual command, Joy marks the work of god at the time of the creation of the world. It marks the work of Christ: « I give you my joy.» The Gospel underlines the need of it and the Church awaits it as a gift: - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of The call to joy dominates the first readings and resounds as an unusual command,
The call to joy dominates the first readings and resounds as an unusual command,Joy marks the work of god at the time of
the creation of the world. It marks the work of Christ:« I give you my joy.»
The Gospel underlines the need of it and the Church awaits it as a gift:
« Direct our joy towards the joy of this mystery so great.»
The prophet exaggerates: « Break out together in song…shout in acclamation …»
Saint Paul exaggerates:« Be always in the joyof the Lord.»
Wordfor today
On this Sunday, however, it is not the voice of Jesusthat we hear in the Gospel but that of
John the Baptist, his witness, his friend, who find hishappiness in making way for him and to underline the knowledge
that there is between Jesus and the Holy Spirit.Of this knowledge, each Eucharistic celebrationbears witness that Christ is at work among us:
He baptizes us in the spirit and fire andgives us joy of the Son.
Truly, the waiting of the just is joy,because they « await the blessed hopeand the coming of our great
God and Saviour Jesus Christ.» Who is nowmy hope says the just,is it not the Lord? Then turned toward him: I know it, you will not deceive my wait …
That our wait, then, be delayed by God.Say with the Apostles: « Our life is in the heavens;
it is there that we must await the Lord. »Guerric d’igny
(XII century, Sermon for Advent)
The Wordof the Pope
We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith
in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope.
It will also be a good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, which is “the summit towards which the
activity of the Church is directed; ... and also the source from which all its power flows.” At the same time,
we make it our prayer that believers’ witness of life may grow in credibility.
Benedict XVI
"This is the God who saves me, I trust in Him. '
With this confidence, the source of all joy, pray for those who lack confidence
in themselves and their surroundings;for those who have been deceived
and those who are hurtingand pray for all children, especially thosewho are sad or living in difficult situations
