Skip to main content

Rejoice in the Lord, always!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Today is third Sunday of advent which is also known in Latin as gaudete or rejoice sunday. This is a special sunday because our readings speak boldly the message of gladness and rejoicing in the coming of the Lord.In the first reading, for example, prophet Zephaniah invites god's people to rejoice in the lord for he is coming as a mighty conqueror, a mighty savior. He will come and turn away their enemies. He is their king who will be in their midst. The image of a conqueror, saviour or a king is very powerful during the time of the propehts. For Zephaniah, This is an assurance to the promise of salvation and redemption, A promise of bountiful blessings, of strength and triumph they have longed for. And now it is nearing to its fulfillment.
In the second reading, St Paul repeats the message, "rejoice in the lord always."  St paul invites the philippians to turn their fears into joy and galdness. They ahve to rejoice for god will secure their hears and minds. They have to fear no more. These were the words of thankfulness and gladness of st Paul For even he was imprisoned while writing the letter to the Philippians his joy was still abounding knowing that the lord is near, that the lord is coming for his people to save and rescue them from sadness and sinfulness. He comes to rule over the darkness and loneliness in our lives and transform it into light and pure joy.
The same theme of rejoicing is emphasized In our gospel.  many came to see john the baptist and asked him what shall they do. Those who came to him were seen as outcasts by the Jewish people and yet John welcomed them. So this shows that the message of god, the good news is for everyone who are willing to listen and follow the lord. Rejoice in the lord always. God will come to teach and guide those who are willing to listen and follow him. He will speak to them how to live their lives. He will come with might in his hands but full of love and compassion in his heart.
What shall we do then to be found by the lord rejoicing when he comes? Luke tells us three things. One we should be concerned of our brothers and sisters especially those who are lacking and in need. Tis means we have to set aside our self-centeredness and search to aid those who are having misfortunes in life. Second, we have to be just to others. Not corrupting and exploiting the rights and love of others. Third, luke tells Us that we have to find contentment as an important virtue in life. We have to Learn to appreciate what we have, what god has blessed us with, family, relationship, career, friends, faith, presence and love.
As we continue in our advent journey, we pray to the lord to grace us with enough courage and strength to be ready in his coming. And as we pray may our hearts and lives be filled with rejoicing and gladness making known the love of god for his people. I say it once again, rejoice in the lord always. Rejoice.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LSIs and PUMs found refuge in OMI Retreat House

       The Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (SOMPH) retreat house in Binoligan, Kidapawan City, an OMI-run center has become a haven of refuge for several (Locally Stranded Individuals) LSIs and (Persons Under Monitoring) PUMs under the care of city government of Kidapawan. Since last year, the shrine has been accepting individuals and families under quarantine during the event of the pandemic.        Through the joint program of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and Kidapawan City government, LSIs and PUMs are quarantined in the OMI retreat house, identified as one of the quarantine centers. In Kidapawan City, only a number of centers have been assigned for such delicate role of accepting person under quarantine.        The decision was made by Bp. Charlie Inzon, OMI, the apostolic vicar of Jolo Vicariate, who was then the OMI provincial superior during their meeting with Mayor Joseph Evanghelista of Kidapawan City, early last year. It was a huge decision for the OMI congrega
1 comment
Read more

Notre Dame of Cagayan: Evangelization Through Education

History The Notre Dame of Cagayan is located in a far distant island called Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. It is one of the Notre Dame schools founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi archipelago to respond to the literary education needs of the local people. Among the Notre Dame schools, NDC is one of the farthest if not the most challenging mission area of the oblates particularly with regards to transportation. The Notre Dame of Cagayan was founded by the OMI Fathers in 1958. Fr. Maurice A. Hemann, OMI was its first school principal and director. During that time, the Notre Dame of Cagayan (NDC) was the only high school in the island municipality of Mapun. That is why most of the professionals coming from Mapun are graduates of NDC. The school in its long-standing influence through education has already produced doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, architects, a lawyer, businessmen, entrepreneurs, a priest, and many others. The Notre Dame of Cagayan is known for
Post a Comment
Read more

Destiny

Sometimes THINGS happen almost repeatedly, one mistake today and tomorrow the same mistake you fall. And unbelievably they happen so fast but you can't track them anytime. Seriously! This is really sick! I always make the same mistake knowing that they are going the same route and end in the same feeling.  My heart once advised that the next time it happen it would be a different game, a different feeling of excitement but sadly I was wrong. I still missed the last spark to make the feeling into reality, making the ending open like a movie always creating another sequel to finally seize the whole picture and story. But, maybe there are things that just won’t work out for some people. Instead there are other things that are just meant for them. Well, I heard this from people, and they call it destiny. Crap! If this is what destiny for me, then holy crap! I just can’t figure out how to move next time. Why can’t I just make the perfect move now? I’m not comparing but some people can
2 comments
Read more