Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

From Deacon Dick

Gaudete!  (Rejoice!)

Today is known as Gaudete Sunday because we are invited to be filled with joyful expectation as we celebrate the coming of the Lord as part of the human family.  Our joy is manifested in the Rose colored vestments of the priest and deacon.

Here’s a piece from author Max Lucado (In the Grip of Grace) that translates this joy into more human terms.

God Is for You

“God is for you.  Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run.  Look past the finish line, that’s God applauding your steps.  Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name.  Too tired to continue?  He’ll carry you.  Too discouraged to fight?  He’s picking you up.  God is for you.

God is for you.  Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circles.  If he drove a car, your name would be on the bumper.  If there’s a tree in heaven, he’s carved your name in the bark …

‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne.’  (Isaiah 49:15)  What a bizarre question.  Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, ‘What was the baby’s name?’  No.  I’ve seen you care for your young.  You stroke the hair, you touch the face, and you sing the name over and over.  Can a mother forget?  No way.  But God says, ‘even if she could forget … I will never forget you,’ Isaiah 49:15)”

Can we feel the eternal joy now?