Preparing the Table for the Lord |
December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent
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“AUNT KATIE!! AUNT KATIE!! YOU’RE HERE!” they rejoiced, and ran toward me as I opened my car door. To celebrate the last day of school, I brought ice cream from the local creamery to my niece and nephew. I was excited to have finished my first year of teaching, to spend time with my favorite littles, and enjoy the delicious ice cream. As grateful as I was for our little picnic, they were even more overjoyed at my arrival. Such a gleeful greeting was truly the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae!
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In a similar way, I am particularly struck by the words in today’s first reading, “[the Lord] will rejoice over you with gladness” (Zephaniah 3:17). We can find Christmas decorations to deck the halls at nearly any store or online retailer. We can practice any number of spiritual disciplines to rejoice for the coming of Our Savior, but do we recognize how He rejoices over us? He rejoices over us, not for the fanciest tablecloths or prettiest ribbons and bows. He sings joyfully because of us (Zephaniah 3:17). He loves us more than we can ever fathom. The guest of honor who we await is waiting for us too! He has so much more in store for us than homemade ice cream.
Today, Gaudete Sunday, brings us the special liturgical color of rose. This break in uniformity of the Advent violet can be a critical moment for us, especially those who identify more with Martha than with her sister Mary, to pause and reflect on our preparations during this holy season. When trying to conquer the never-ending to-do list before December 25th ruins the joy of preparing, we are reminded of our true purpose – to meet the Source of Joy.
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O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Roman Missal)
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Katie Lizzo, M.A., Coordinator of Student & Administrative Support Services, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology
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