Gospel Meditation

December 12, 2021
3^rd Sunday of Advent

“From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!” St. Teresa of Avila

We’ve all heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” In many ways, it really is. When was the last time you really laughed? The gift of imagination allows us to see possible things that are yet to be. Imagine a world filled with laughter. We take life too seriously sometimes. Fear, uncertainty, pressure, negativity, disappointment, and myriad other human experiences can rob us of the joy needed for laughter. God never promised us an easy road, and we do have to take the course of our lives seriously. However, there is a balance to be sought and a possible joy that can be brought even to the darkest and most challenging of encounters.

St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us that, “Joy is not found in the material objects surrounding us but in the inner recesses of the soul. One can possess joy in a prison cell as well as in a palace.” Falling in love with God, who is present in all of creation, allows us to bring a depth of understanding to everything we do and experience. We can more easily see above and beyond things while pursuing the only One who can truly satisfy our hearts. When we realize that God, the king of Israel, is in our midst and with us, there is no further misfortune to fear. We can celebrate the wonder and beauty of God’s gift of joy. It is no wonder that many saints radiate joy and have no reservations expressing laughter. They are happy because they have found a pearl of great price.

We celebrate with joy today with hearts filled with expectation, wonder, awe, and beauty as we ready ourselves, even more excitedly, for the coming of our Savior. Do not fear and do not be discouraged. If you haven’t laughed in a while, why? Something is preventing you from expressing the magnificence of your soul and the presence of God who dwells within. God’s power and presence within us assures us that we are loved and kept in that presence. What more is really needed? Rejoice and laugh in the presence of God! It really is the best medicine and a most perfect way to convince others that God is really with us. “Go ahead, laugh! Live your life with joy and serve the Lord with laughter! Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.” (St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina)

©LPi

MEDITACIÓN EVANGÉLICO (Gospel Meditation)

12 de diciembre de 2021
3^er Domingo de Adviento

“Estén siempre alegres en el Señor, se los repito, estén alegres y tengan buen trato con todos” (Filipenses 4:4). Alégrense, no estén tristes ya viene la salvación. A Juan le preguntaba la gente: “¿Qué debemos de hacer? Él les contestaba: “El que tenga dos capas, que dé una al que no tiene. Y el que tenga de comer que haga lo mismo” (Lucas 3:10-11). Y así, sucesivamente al que le preguntaba, le daba su buen consejo de qué hacer al respecto. La alegría viene del dar de lo que tenemos al que lo necesite. Ahí está el secreto de la alegría. De hecho, el tercer Domingo de Adviento se le llama “Gaudete”, palabra del latín que significa gózate, alégrate, haciendo el bien a los demás.

Hoy la comunidad hispana tiene alegría doble: el gozo de que ya se acerca el nacimiento del Mesías y la alegría de celebrar a la Virgen de Guadalupe. Ojalá, que sepamos disfrutar de la alegría que este domingo nos trae. Que acudamos a la Eucaristía a celebrar, orar y compartir lo que somos y tenemos. La Liturgia nos invita a esa alegría: “Regocíjate, hija de Sion, grita de júbilo, Israel” (Sofonías 3:14). En la Anunciación de María, el Ángel Gabriel la saluda diciendo: “Alégrate llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo” (Lucas 1:28).  ¿Qué nos debería llenar actualmente de gozo? Creo que una alegría grande es saber que todos estemos vacunados, que la violencia en el hogar y en las calles de nuestras ciudades termine. Que se respeten los derechos de las personas de toda raza y nación. Que los inmigrantes, los enfermos y los olvidados encuentren en esta Navidad la caricia de la bondad de Dios por medio de cada uno de nosotros.

©LPi