Everyone longs to be happy in life. Yet, at times we allow ourselves to be deceived and begin chasing external things that please our senses but never truly satisfy them. As a result, once we obtain something, we soon turn our attention to something else. True joy comes from within. True joy springs from the conviction that, despite everything happening around us, our inner joy remains untouched.
On the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church reminds us of how much we have to rejoice. We rejoice because our Saviour is near. Above all, however, we rejoice because through the coming of Jesus, God the Father reminds us that we are truly loved. Yes, you are deeply loved by God, so much so that the Father sends his Son, Jesus, to assure you of his love. What great joy fills our hearts when we are convinced that we are loved by him!
Saint George Preca teaches us that joy of heart helps us to serve God with greater zeal, enabling us to carry out good works with greater perfection and thus merit their reward. In this way, by serving God with joy, we hope to persevere in doing good.
Let us pray with Saint George Preca: Lord God, make me rejoice in your peace.
Take a moment for personal reflection on the Third Sunday of Advent:
- How is God helping me find true joy inside myself, rather than in things around me?
- How does knowing that God loves me deeply help me deal with the difficulties and worries of everyday life?
- How can I serve God with more joy?
