This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudate (Rejoice) Sunday as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child. In our gospels for Advent, the call to prepare for Christ comes primarily from John the Baptist. He holds a unique position in salvation history. John serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament prophets who point the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs.
Some regard John as some crazy person who lived in the desert, wore strange clothes, and eat exotic foods. Yet there is nothing strange or crazy or exotic about his message. It is very clear; very practical; very prudent; and very challenging. He tells us to prepare for the coming of the Lord, acknowledge our shortcomings and failures, repent of our sins, and change our hearts. With great humility, he acknowledges that his role is subordinate to that of Jesus. He says, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandals” and acknowledges that he must decrease and Jesus must increase.
As we strive to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord, we are reminded that this Thursday, December 18th at 9:00 am, we will celebrate a memorial Mass for our beloved former pastor, Monsignor Paul Reynolds. He served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Atlanta for over forty years. Monsignor Reynolds shepherded his congregation here at Saint Brigid from 2006 until his death in 2010. He was a priest of great wisdom and insight and truly appreciated the opportunity to serve the people entrusted to his care.
As disciples, the Season of Advent can serve as a good time for us to reflect on our spiritual priorities. Unfortunately, during Advent many of us can get caught up in the “busyness” and distractions of the Season. The media does so much to commercialize the Season, and all too often we may do the same. We may be busy going shopping; we may be busy going to parties; we may be busy making travel plans. But in the midst of all this “busyness”, are we really preparing spiritually for the coming of the Christ Child?
As we reflect on the example of John the Baptist, and as we honor the memory of Monsignor Reynolds, we know the Lord is ready to come to us. Are we willing to step back from our “busyness”, avoid the distractions of the Season, and truly focus on His coming? Hopefully through prayer and reflection, we will truly open our hearts, and get our spiritual priorities in order, as we get ready to receive Our Lord, Our Savior, and Our King of Kings.