GAUDETE ! THAT IS, REJOICE IN THE LORD JESUS THIS 3RD SUNDAY OF ASVENT.............

Despite the travails humans face daily even the most fervent Disciples of Catholic-Christianity, the Third Sunday of Advent Scriptures and Liturgical Prayer and Worship focus hearken us to break the chains of captivity and frustrations that may beset us and rediscover our surest and most dependable anchor in Life and Faith, Jesus the long awaited and ever honorable Messiah, and the Joy to be experienced beyond our worldly inflicted crosses by Rejoicing in the nearing Coming of the Lord.  The rose colored or pink candle we light around the Advent is a sign of our Joy that the Lord's Coming this Christmas is getting close.  The insight from personal experience I share with you today is tapping into Advent  Rejoicing is more than a calendar triggered automatic response.   It arrives with the reality of disappointments, frustrations, pressures, and stresses, also undeniably present in our lives; not to ignored or denied, but folded into the greater reason for Joy : the redemptive and reconciling presence of the One Truth that makes us whole and complete - Jesus The Christ; the Co-Eternal Son of the Heavenly Father and the Triune God in relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, as the Lord of Salvation and Eternal Life.  Just as I have poured the increasing frustrations of the past 21 months into the call to Advent Joy today, so too may you and all Believers blend the adversities of your lives into the Advent invitation to Joy that enlightens our way during this Third Week of Advent.  "Rejoice in the Lord Always.  Again I say, Rejoice !".............Father Troy David Powers