December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent
JESUS IS THE REASON TO REJOICE!
St. Faustina tells us that Jesus guided us to feel the love and mercy of His Sacred Heart. The world was to fall into WWII with the bombing of her country, Poland, in 1939. The world needed hope and Jesus had St. Faustina commission a painting of her vision of Jesus. The world needed to here of God’s presence and to cling to a hope that could assure them of Hid protection.
“Jesus, I trust in you!”
This signature on the painted image of Jesus can be an assurance to us today. As we see many conflicts and even horrors on our city streets. The presence of Christ’s mercy and love of those that hope can change the world. JOY!
The Third Sunday of our Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” meaning JOY.
Jesus, loving presence is a reason for JOY! Life gives us many disappointments and “influencers” get rich selling troubles. The world seeks a truth of comfort and peace. The joy we desire is eternally awaiting us in heaven. But heaven is meant to be realized on Earth. Does that sound “Pollyanna”(overly optimistic)?
Jesus sent out 72 disciples to every town he intended to visit with the announcement: “say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you. (Luke 10:9)”
God is here and is near! We can receive Him daily in the Eucharist or speak with Him in prayer. Heaven may be where Joy lives – but our lives need to communicate that joy of his presence as surely as he commissioned the 72 disciples that went to prepare His entrance to the towns He visited.
Do you believe that when Jesus speaks to us in the scriptures that those words can live today. Jesus is not a past event! He is a present reality – He is/has: “Come near to you”
WE need to feel that nearness and that assurance of Jesus’ loving call which guided the painted image for St. Faustina to give us a vision of his merciful presence. Rejoice, I say it again, Rejoice!
May Our Risen Savior Bless you!
Fr. Patrick Nelson, SDS
