Let Us Go Rejoicing



View of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, Jordan

In days to come,

the mountain of the LORD’s house

shall be established as the highest mountain

and raised above the hills.

All nations shall stream toward it;

many peoples shall come and say:

“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may instruct us in his ways,

and we may walk in his paths.”

Isaiah 2:  2-3

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His Holiness Pope Francis has given to the Church the first official document of his pontificate, the Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).

“The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 1)

“The books of the Old Testament predicted that the joy of salvation would abound in messianic times. The prophet Isaiah exultantly salutes the awaited Messiah: “You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy” (9:3). He exhorts those who dwell on Zion to go forth to meet him with song: “Shout aloud and sing for joy!” (12:6). The prophet tells those who have already seen him from afar to bring the message to others: “Get you up to a high mountain, O herald of good tidings to Zion; lift up your voice with strength, O herald of good tidings to Jerusalem” (40:9). All creation shares in the joy of salvation: “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth! Break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones” (49:13). (Evangelii Gaudium, 4)

It seems appropriate that we have received this gift, The Joy of the Gospel, to “unwrap” as we begin the holy season of Advent.  Can we begin to read and reflect on its richness and relevance in our lives?  Let’s give thanks for God’s great love for us as we listen to His voice in Sacred Scripture and strive to joyfully do His will.

For the complete text of Evangelii Gaudium: 

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.html

 

For more information, please visit:

http://www.news.va/en/news/synthesis-of-the-apostolic-exhortation-the-joy-of
http://www.news.va/en/news/archbishop-fisichella-presents-the-apostolic-exhor

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Speaking to crowds of pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus on December 1, 2013, His Holiness Pope Francis recalled the passage from the prophet Isaiah who speaks of a time when swords will be broken into plows and nations will live in peace.

And reminding those present that this Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year, the Pope pointed out that this is a season that renews “the horizon of hope”. He encouraged the faithful to rediscover the beauty of being on a journey towards the encounter with Jesus and called for the gift of peace.

 

For more information, please visit:

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-peace-is-possible

 

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For the peace of Jerusalem pray:

“May those who love you prosper!

May peace be within your ramparts,

prosperity within your towers.”

For the sake of my brothers and friends I say,

“Peace be with you.”

For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God,

I pray for your good.

Psalm 122:  6-9

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Please pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who strive to share the joy of the Gospel in their homeland, the land of Jesus.  If the Lord is calling you to meet and help the Christians in the Holy Land and/or to go on pilgrimage, please contact k.m.hurley1@gmail.com for more information.  Thank you!  God bless you!

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