3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Today is Gaudete Sunday! Gaudete means “rejoice!” Our Scriptures provide us with wonderful images of healing, restoration, and justice. St. James reminds us to be patient as the coming of the Lord is at hand. But it is the prophet Isaiah who provides the encouragement we so desperately need. Our world and our country are in need of peace. We long for God’s justice, which does not bring retribution but equity. Isaiah shows us that if we walk with God all of these things can be ours, not only in the future but now.