Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. We celebrate because Christmas is that much closer and Advent is nearly over. We still pray “Come Lord Jesus!” Maranatha!
Faith in St. Joe County had a leaders’ meeting this past week. Nicole MacLaughlin was one of the presenters and did a wonderful job. We had over 15 people present from the parish out of a group of about sixty strong. There are now 11 different congregations committed to this community organizing effort. We are looking for at least 15 by the New Year.
John the Baptist is once again in our Gospel. He is in prison and sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Jesus says he is and then praises John: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” He concludes: “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” That is really something to look forward to.
In our first reading we continue to read the Prophet Isaiah and he continues to tell us how great things will be when God’s Messiah comes to save us. The blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap, the mute sing. Come Lord Jesus, Come!
In our second reading, St. James tells us to be patient. “Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” We have to patiently build his kingdom now!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.