Rejoice the Lord is near! What to do if it's hard to rejoice.

Father Vince reminded us that the third week of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, a time to rejoice as the Lord Jesus’ coming is near.  Gaudete is Latin for rejoicing.  Jesus coming is certainly a time to rejoice, but it can be very hard to do so when there are tragic events like the one that happened last Friday in Connecticut.  What should we do when we are sad, confused, and not experiencing joy in our lives?  We need to turn to God in prayer.    Prayer is not a magic set of words or a way of asking God to do something he would not normally do.   Prayer is a relationship with the one who loves listens, and cares for us.   Reading, reflecting on, and praying on Scripture is another good way to find joy when we have none.   Scripture has many situations where the people of Israel were in misery and suffering and later experienced joy in return from exile to their homeland.   When they turned back to a relationship with God their joy returned.  We have much to be joyful for, even in the midst of our trials; because our savior Jesus Christ, came to live among us experiencing the same sorrows we’ve all experienced.  He also conquered death through his own suffering, gaining for us the gift of eternal life, for those who believe.  He continues to be present among us and by being in a relationship with the person of Jesus he can lead us to joy.  Please take some time for quiet prayer during the remaining time of Advent to reflect on the joy of Christ’s coming.  May God bless you!