|
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……
DECEMBER 21, 2003
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
"Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la, la la la…" You'll hear these words often repeated this time of year in song . The world wants us to be joyful and so cheerful music is played in the shopping malls & stores; streets are brightly decorated with special lights and ornaments; mail boxes are crammed with greeting cards; office parties abound, etc. People appear to be joyful. The trouble with this kind of joy, however, is that it's superficial and fleeting --- like the painted smile on a clown's face or a night of carousing spent around town. The sad reality is that the day after January 1, 2004 the Christmas and holiday music will stop; the street decorations will be taken down; and the parties will end. All that will remain for some is the headache of a hangover or a stomach-ache.
Mary, Jesus' mother, models a different kind of joy for us --- one that is deep not superficial. In her magnificat, Mary said: " ,,,my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (See Luke 1: 47) Mary's joy perdures even at the foot of the Cross. Mary's joy is contagious --- it is caught by others. In her cousin Elizabeth's case, Mary's joy reaches down even into Elizabeth's womb and touches her as yet unborn child, John the Baptist.
This is the true joy of Christmas. This is the joy that the angel was talking about when he announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds saying: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people." (See Luke 2: 10) This is the real joy the world needs. As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent by lighting the fourth candle on our Advent wreath, let us ask the Lord to fill us with Mary's joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Let this joy also be our special gift to others so that we, in turn, can be a blessing to others as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Raymond J. Tintle, OFM
Pastor
|
|
