It’s fun to have a dog named Joy. She thinks every other Christmas carol is for her. She also thinks that the Third Sunday in Advent is dedicated just for her!
That’s partly true, I guess, but it is even more so for the rest of us. In every penitential season, the Church lets us take a little break about two-thirds of the way through. Like all things liturgical, there is a practical and a spiritual reason. This makes sense because as human beings, we are body and soul.
The practical/corporeal reason is that psychologically and physically, we need to take a break every once in awhile. As the saying goes, “All work and no play” makes us pretty dreary people to be around. Quite frankly, I think the world has enough dreariness in it at the moment. Spiritually and liturgically, the Church is reminding us that as we continue to “make ready the way of the Lord,” and the end of the world, we should not do so in spirit of dread and doom, but of great rejoicing. For the believer, the second coming of Christ brings with it the fulfillment of all of our hopes and deepest desires. The resurrection of the dead and final judgment will bring with it the coming of “a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev. 21:1) It will mean an end to all suffering and pain and eternal communion with the Trinity and all the Saints. So as St. Peter says, “There is great cause for rejoicing here.” (1 Pet 1:6) The key is to be ready.
Did I mention that we will be having the opportunity for confessions three extra times this coming week. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00 PM, we will start with Evening Prayer and then there will be at least two or three confessors on hand…most of whom have absolutely no idea who you are!
Advent is a time for preparation and for rejoicing in as we prepare for the coming of the Lord in glory, even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming in humility. Maranathá! Come, Lord Jesus! Do not delay.
– Fr. Leo