Childrens Liturgy of The Word

The Season of Lent

Today's Readings

Saint of the Day

Blog_Archive

2015 Nov  9374  7
2015 Oct  4062  4
2015 Sep  1529  2
2015 Jun  706  1
2015 May  1416  2
2015 Apr  3399  4
2015 Mar  2534  3
2015 Feb  2872  4
2015 Jan  1984  3
2014 Dec  2195  3
2014 Nov  2431  3
2014 Oct  2286  3
2014 Sep  2362  3
2014 Jun  2577  3
2014 Apr  1905  2
2014 Mar  4210  4
2014 Feb  4498  5
2014 Jan  3289  4
2013 Dec  2412  3
2013 Nov  3699  5
2013 Oct  2507  4
2013 Sep  1879  3
2013 Jun  3325  4
2013 May  2837  3
2013 Apr  1582  2
2013 Feb  3745  4
2013 Jan  3615  4
2012 Dec  3984  4
2012 Nov  3115  4
2012 Oct  2329  4
2012 Sep  2614  4
2012 Jun  1014  2
2012 May  873  2
2012 Apr  2674  3
2012 Mar  2878  4
2012 Feb  2645  4
2012 Jan  1969  3
2011 Dec  1983  3
2011 Nov  2446  3
2011 Oct  2585  4
2011 Sep  2820  4
2011 Aug  1913  3
2011 Jul  2028  3
2011 Jun  3220  4
2011 Apr  1420  2
2011 Mar  11541  4
2011 Feb  3297  4
2011 Jan  3645  4
2010 Dec  2242  3
2010 Nov  3346  4
2010 Oct  3770  4
2010 Sep  2579  4
2010 Aug  3332  4
2010 Jul  2892  4
2010 Jun  4222  4
2010 May  3040  3
2010 Apr  1553  2
2010 Mar  2362  3
2010 Feb  2565  4
2010 Jan  1506  3
2009 Oct  462  1

Reflections on the weekly readings

Sunday December 13, 2015 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

This Sunday, December 13th, is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete (pronounced GAW day tay) Sunday.  The word “Gaudete” means “rejoice” or “joy”.  On the Advent Wreath, Gaudete Sunday is symbolized by the pink candle.  Pink is somewhat purple, and somewhat white or like purple mixed with white.  Some advent wreaths have a 5th candle, a white candle, in the center that is lit on Christmas and represents Jesus Christ, the light that came into the world to dispel the darkness of sin.  We are closer to the first Advent (coming, arriving) of Christ Jesus and this Sunday marks a point during Advent that is more than half way to the arrival of the Messiah.

 

Our first reading for Children’s Liturgy is from the book of Zephaniah.  Zephaniah assures us that once we have reformed and are living in fidelity to God we will no longer have any fear or anxiety because God will remove from us our sin. When we repent and turn back to God, He will renew His love for us.  Therefore, we should “…shout for joy!”  The word “repentance” is a translation of a Greek word which literally means “change of mind”.  In the Scriptures it is a two-fold turning – away from sin and toward God.  When we turn, or repent, it is more than a mental adjustment to our attitude, it actually requires us to produce “good fruits as evidence of your repentance.”  John the Baptist drives this point home in his answers to the crowd, the tax collectors and the soldiers.  He tells them to “repent” and then tells them to show/prove their repentance through deeds, like giving food and clothing to those in need, not collecting more taxes than people owe, or not bullying people but be fair and honest.  They must prove their faith through works of charity, social justice and honesty.  During Advent, and throughout this Year of Mercy, we are all called to repent, to turn away from sin, and turn back to God and prove our repentance through our works.   

 
“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.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Phil 4:4-7
 
Not only are we rejoicing at the coming of the Lord, but at His nearness to us always.  St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, instructs us on prayer.  First, we need to recognize the presence of the Lord and rejoice!!  Then, he tells us to pray often, bringing our petitions to the Lord and offer our prayers not just with “petition” but with “thanksgiving”.  The Philippians believed so strongly in the constant presence of the Lord that when they petitioned in prayer they were immediately thankful for the answer that they were confident was forthcoming.  God loves us and hears prayers and will respond for the petitioner’s good, which is not necessarily what we think we need or want. 
 
Reflect on these aspects of Advent individually.  Reflect on rejoicing at the Advent of the Lord, and His continuous presence in our lives.  Reflect upon your own repentance, your “turning” away from sin and toward God.  Reflect upon the peace of God.  ACT in ways that support your intentions, your faith.  Give clothes and food to the poor.  Be honest when dealing with others.  Do not cause suffering of other people through injustice.
 

Our Psalm this week is Isaiah 12:  Cry Out With Joy
        Music Lead Sheet Link

When you go to the link, select "Guitar & Choir" from the drop down list.  You can then listen to or download the mp3 and lead sheet.

 
Have a blessed 3rd week of Advent!  Rejoice!


Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.