Word from the Pastor

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”

Dear Parish Family,
The Entrance Antiphon for this Third Sunday of Advent begins with the following words: “Gaudete in Domino Semper, which is translated in English: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Many of us might want to ask this question: Can we always rejoice? When we look at our world so ravaged by violence and wars, in Ukraine, in many African nations , in Asia and in Haiti. Can we look at our world so wounded in many areas by individualism, selfishness, and riddled by drugs, alcohol, all manner of addictions, and say, Rejoice always? When we look at our economy, we see inflation, the increase of the cost of living in United States and other countries, especially in the poorest countries in the world, the rising prices of essential commodities such as gasoline, food, drugs etc., and say rejoice always? When we look at our own personal lives and see many things that are not cause for joy, can we say rejoice always? We might rather want to echo the words of John the Baptist in today’s gospel. When John heard that Jesus was eating and drinking with people, especially with sinners, he had a little doubt about the behavior of the one who should be the Messiah.

• He dispatched his disciples to Jesus with this question: Are you the one is who is to come or should we look for another one?

On this Third Sunday of Advent, as we continue our Advent journey, we are invited to “rejoice in the Lord always.” We rejoice not because everything is well, but because we have faith in the One who has conquered the world, darkness and sins. We rejoice because Jesus, God is with us (Emmanuel) is coming in our lives in a new way this Christmas. We rejoice in Jesus who is the resurrection and the life. We rejoice in the Lord because of the works of the Church, of Christians, and people of good will who continue to make a difference in the world by caring for the poor, the blind and the sick. We rejoice in the Lord because people like you who continue to support our parish in so many ways. We need to continue patiently and faithfully doing goods in the world despite the challenges, difficulties and suffering we might encounter in the world. The Cross is our unique hope (Spes Unica). As Jesus said: If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus died to self, knowing that it was the key to joy. He rejoice in serving others. Christ e his time on earth to pour out himself for others, down to the last drop of his blood. He did it so that we may have eternal life!

Happy Advent!

Fr. Jadotte
Pastor