14/12/2024

Gaudete Sunday - Third Sunday of Advent

John the Baptist declared that Maran'athah, our Lord  is coming. God is with us! “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Those who accept him will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit – and become witnesses, evangelists for Jesus. Those who do not, will be as chaff, burnt in the fire.

At our baptism we started our journey of faith so as to become Capax Dei – capable of life with God in eternity - and here, as we now are in space-time, delight in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. So as to enhance life wherever we find ourselves: at home, at work, travelling and whenever we relax. 

These gifts are: Wisdom - to make choices that make our life Christlike; Understanding - what Jesus is teaching us; Right Judgment – to act with prudence.; Courage – to follow our conscience- even in a culture which is secular; Knowledge– or enlightenment; Piety -  joyfully serve God and others; and, underpinning everything, Wonder and Awe of God. 

Advent signposts Christmas which draws our attention to Easter and finally Pentecost, the disclosure of the Holy Spirit. Thanks to that, we know God is Father-Creator, Son, Redeemer and Holy Spirit - Sanctifier.

We become holy to the height, width and depth we open ourselves to God and thus  realise that God is with us and that we are with God.

In my homilies I aim to help you realise God’s presence in your  - and my – daily  life.