Sunday, December 14 • Third Sunday of Advent
The desert and the parched land will exult, the Steppe will rejoice and bloom. — Isaiah 35:1
“Rejoice!” I say “Rejoice!” The third Sunday of Advent, so called from the first word of the Introit at Mass. Gaudete! Rejoice! calls upon the faithful to worship with Joy, The Lord who is now nigh and close at hand.” While our attitude during Advent is one of anticipation and preparation, this Sunday’s liturgy symbolizes that joy and gladness in the promised redemption /salvation should never be absent from the heart of the faithful.
Many Christians have reduced “salvation” to assurance of a blessed afterlife with God. However, if we look at biblical words translated as “salvation,” we find that they convey meanings of healing, wholeness, and right relationships. The human person can act on these three meanings of salvation. As Isaiah points out, salvation begins on this earth.
One of the best ways we can make a difference and bring about a bit of salvation is to advocate on behalf of the poor and the earth against unjust situations. Here are some avenues:
1. Justice for Immigrants JFI’s primary objectives are
to educate the public, especially the Catholic community, about Church teaching on migration and immigrants; to work for positive immigration reform articulated by the bishops; and to organize Catholic networks to assist qualified immigrants obtain the benefits of the reforms. Contact Luisa Martin-Price.
2. The Reflecting Pool A contemplative group that studies and reflects on the subject of racial justice with the hope of action toward a more equitable world. We meet once a month remotely by Teams. Lauren Green, Master Catechist, is the facilitator.
3. Laudato Si’ Circle A group that meets monthly by Zoom to pray, reflect, and act on how to live out being stewards of God’s creation. Parishioner Monica Kleimeyer, a Laudato Si’ Animator, facilitates the group.
4, NC Catholics Caring for our Common Home (N4CH) is building a network of Catholics across our diocese that want to unite in hearing and responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth through an integral ecological lens. Come join any of the above! at socialconcern@hnojnc.org
As you light the third Advent candle, reflect on what you can do to heal, to bring to wholeness, and to create right relationships. Then, rejoice in the God who is coming to be with us and who saves us by showing us how to live.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC