Gaudete...

 

This is the third Sunday of Advent and it traditionally focuses on joy. It comes from the Latin word, gaudete, which means ‘joyous” and is also part of the traditional liturgy in Catholic and other mainline denominational churches on this particular Sunday.

But I have to be honest. Like a lot of us I am having difficulty finding joy in this holy season. Confusion, sadness, isolation, even anger, but not much joy. I have not lost heart and know there is plenty of joy all around me, though sometimes I just need to look harder.

This said, I did not have to look very far to find joy when seeing these envelopes. What do these envelopes have to do with joy, you may ask? These are just a portion of those that arrived as donations containing gift cards which will be handed out to people on the street. This not only brings me joy but also hope and remembrance. They make me remember that people are good and want to help, even in these troubling times. There is hope for humanity.

This morning after Zoom Church I went for a walk and handed out cards to four separate people, all of them said “God Bless You” or “Have a Blessed Holiday.” Today and in the future you fed these people, I am simply the messenger. Thank you.

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” ― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

(Note...at this point I do not need additional cards. When the time arises—probably in a month or two—I will make an announcement if you’d like to donate to this street ministry. Thank you)