Rejoice in the Lord Always
Advent Reflection for Week of December 14, 2014
Are the words ringing out the Entrance Antiphon for Gaudete Sunday, announcing the dawning of a new day? Pope Francis exudes this same joy in our day by his warm presence and compassionate actions. As we begin this special year dedicated to consecrated life, Francis simply says: I want to say one word to you and this word is JOY.
From his Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, to the Vatican letter, Rejoice, written specially to initiate this year dedicated to consecrated life, Pope Francis’ words call us, and all the church, to be bearers of a joy flowing from one’s love relationship with God.
The first section of Rejoice entitled, “Be glad, rejoice, radiate joy,” reiterates the joy Francis longs for in this world:
Rejoice, he says, is “offered as a simple tool for examining our lives honestly in light of the Gospel… leading to a revitalization… rooted in God, thus bearing the fruit of joy.” (#13)
“This is the beauty of consecration: it is joy, joy. The joy of bringing God’s consolation to all. There is no holiness in sadness.” (#3)
“Sadness and fear must give way to joy: ‘Rejoice… be glad…’” (#3)
“Joy is not a useless ornament. It is a necessity, the foundation of human life.” (#3)
“Every Christian, and especially you and I, we are called to be bearers of this message of hope, giving serenity and joy, God’s consolation, his tenderness towards all.”(#3)
“Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy.” (Intro)
Would others describe you as a person of joy?
Who witnesses the joy of the Gospel to you?
Rejoice was written by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to men and women religious in preparation for the year dedicated to consecrated life. Click here to read the full message. The numbers at the end of the quotes represent the chapter or section of Rejoice.
Click here for the daily readings for the third week of Advent.
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