The Coming Celebration

Dear John,

There’s a tremendous sense of joy and celebration in today’s Advent readings:

First reading: Baruch 5:1–9

Psalm: 126:1–6

Second reading: Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11

Gospel: Luke 3:1–6

“When the Lord brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy.”

These words from Psalm 126 are full of the joy of liberation. They speak to our senses and anticipate celebration. Luke’s Gospel tells us that Jesus was sent “to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.” And this is exactly why God the Father sent His Son into our human experience – to free us from the captivity of our sins. This is a message of hope that we can “take to the bank” regardless of the times and our personal circumstances.

As we wait for solutions to the world’s problems, our Lord shows us through St. John the Baptist that it is necessary for us to prepare to welcome both our Savior and the salvation He brings. Our Creator has willed our salvation from the beginning and only asks for our cooperation in faith with His Holy Will. Therefore, we can look back on Jesus’ birth with joy and look forward to His return with hope.

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you in your Advent journey this week:

Dec 9, 4:00 am and Dec 14, 8:00 pm. Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message. Jim Cavaziel (The Passion of the Christ) narrates the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her miraculous apparition as the pregnant Mother of God to St. Juan Diego.

Dec 12, 5:30 pm. Queen of Heaven – Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas. A look at how the appearance of the Virgin to humble peasant Juan Diego ushered in one of the largest mass conversions in the history of the Church.

Dec 16, 12:00 am. Life of Christ: A Holy Land Pilgrimage. The Gospels come to life in an epic journey through the towns, cities and sites of Christ’s history-changing ministry.

May God continue to bless you,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network

EWTN

5817 Old Leeds Rd

Irondale AL 35210