Advent is a time of waiting, but Jeff Ryan Miraflor SJ reminds us that we should also rejoice because we know what we’re waiting for. Check out this One-Minute Homily based on the readings for Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Rejoice, the Lord is near! Rejoice!
Hi, I’m Jeff Ryan Miraflor and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
Today’s Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for rejoice! And while Advent’s a time of waiting, we’re not waiting blindly; we know what all our waiting is for… Jesus! The source of all our joy.
The Church reminds us that Advent ends in rejoicing. But it’s not always easy to be joyful. It’s like being told, “Be happy!” That doesn’t really work. It has to be authentic joy from the heart. That will only come when we really wait and long for Jesus.
It’s like when you’re starving for food, eventually the hunger makes you focus all your energy on finding food. And once you finally eat, it tastes so good. It’s gotta be the same way for Jesus. We need to long and look for Jesus. All our energy has to be focused on Him.
There’s no room for distractions, Christmas is only 10 days away! So let’s spend each day starting now thinking about and longing for Jesus. Make room for Him in your heart. Then we’ll truly be rejoicing when He comes.