Dear Parshioners:
On this third Sunday of Advent, the penitential purple of the season changes to rose, and we celebrate "Gaudete" or "Rejoice!" Sunday. Zephaniah exclaims: "Shout for joy, daughter of Sion," And St. Paul teaches us to: "Rejoice in the Lord always." St. John the Baptist preaches in the Gospel: "His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire!"
Why is this stark message of St. John the Baptist appearing on "Rejoice Sunday"? His stern call to repentance does not seem to fit the joy we are anticipating in Christ. However, St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of spiritual joy. After all, he leaped for joy in his mother's womb at the presence of Jesus and Mary. And scripture says that John rejoices to hear the Bridegroom's voice!
St. John the Baptist was joyful because he was humble. In fact, he shows us the true nature of this virtue. Humility is not beating up on yourself, denying that you have any gifts, talents, or importance. John knew he had an important role that he lived out with authority and confidence. Humility does not mean that we sheepishly look down on ourselves. John does not look at himself at all. He looks away from himself to the Lord.
Pride is sinful because it leads us to be preoccupied with ourselves and causes us to forget God and our neighbor. St. Augustine teaches: "There never can have been, and never can be, and there never shall be any sin without pride."
The proud have to perpetually exalt themselves over others in the hope that this provides a sense of worth and inner peace. But, of course, it doesn't. Human history has proven this time and time again. Pride always comes before the fall, as it did in the Garden of Eden. Again Saint Augustine reminds us: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
Humility brings freedom from this egotistical and selfish bondage. Freed from the blinding compulsion to exalt ourselves, we can truly recognize the presence of God. We begin to feel a sense of satisfaction when we realize that God is God and honor him as such. We can even freely recognize godliness in someone else and rejoice when others notice and honor them.
But what about John's stark call to repentance? How is this Good News? Because repentance is all about humility, and humility is all about freedom. And freedom leads to inner peace and joy, joy in the presence of the Bridegroom. How can we find this freedom? Where is to be obtained? We find it when we humbly repent of our sins in the Sacrament of Confession. Trusting in God's mercy, we can humbly kneel in contrition and admit our sins.
There are ample opportunities for Confession at OLM before Christmas. Every Monday night at 6:00PM and every Saturday afternoon at 3:00PM. This Monday night, we welcome two Dominican Friars from Providence College for Confession. On Monday, December 20th, there are two hours of Confession from 6:00PM until 8:00PM, with four priests available both hours. Two great opportunities at OLM to make a good Confessions before Christmas.
If we truly wish to rejoice in the Lord, it begins with a good Confession. St. John the Baptist is calling each of us to humbly repent and believe the Good News that Christ loves and saves us! In these two weeks left before Christmas, make the time to humbly come to the Confessional.
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to return to the Sacrament of Confession with frequency. He states: “Everyone should ask: 'When was the last time I went to confession?' And if it has been a long time, don't lose another day! Go, the priest will be good. And Jesus, will be there, Jesus receives you. He will receive you with so much love! Be courageous, and go to confession. “
So be courageous and prepare the way for Christ. It is easily done with more time in prayer, greater charity to the poor and needy, faithfully attending Mass every week, and making a good Confession frequently! Keep the Friars busy at Monday Night Confessions as we prepare the way of the Lord!
Be well. Stay safe. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats!!!!