Clergy Bulletin Articles

Welcome to the fourth Sunday of Advent. This is the time of year when the wait for Christmas becomes almost agonizingly unbearable. Holiday shopping is in full swing with people buying, buying, buying. The Marthas of the world are busy organizing and prepping holiday meals. Companies are showing their appreciation for their employees by having ‘Holiday Parties’ and sending ‘Seasons Greetings’. The festivities end with someone drinking a little too much eggnog and eating a little too much barbecue.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice!  Indeed, the Lord is near.”  This is the prayer of the entrance antiphon from today’s Mass.  
 
The name of the third Sunday of Advent, “Gaudete Sunday”, is taken from that antiphon - the word, “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice.” And Gaudete Sunday is a Church’s subtle reminder that Advent is supposed to include a certain “darkness” quality.  
 

Many of you are likely preparing and sending out Christmas cards at this time. But have you ever thought of sending out an “Advent card”? If not, I have proposed an initial design to Hallmark using a line from St. John the Baptist in our Sunday Gospel. On the outside of card it would quote him, “You brood of vipers!” and maybe it could have a cartoon picture of vipers on it.

First, much thanksgiving is in order. Personally, many thanks to all who wished me well and prayed for my running of the New York Marathon on November 6th! The school kids made me a medal of 26 medals each sponsored by a class with prayers prayed for me—how awesome is that! So, my results were mixed. I did finish the marathon, all 26.2 miles, in a total time of 5 hours and 49 seconds which works out to an overall pace of 11:29/mile. So finishing was awesome, and the crowd support in New York was beyond incredible.