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by Sister Madonna Swintkoske
In the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, he tells us to
"Rejoice always." As we hear the news and talk with others, it may
seem impossible to rejoice, because we hear about riots, killings,
war, abuse, sickness, death.
To rejoice always does not necessarily mean to feel happy; but
more finding our source of joy and expressing thanks. Today
we rejoice in preparation for Christ who is both coming again and
is already here among us. To find our source of joy is to
find God in our lives, to rejoice in God's love and to place our
hope in Him.
In all the struggles and stress that we encounter it helps that we
accompany each other, helping one another. Rejoicing is
something we do by reaching out to each other. In the Gospel John
the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the one anointed by
the Spirit, who brings glad tidings to the poor, heals the
brokenhearted and brings liberty to captives. We have reason
to rejoice -- The Lord is near!
Beautifully said Sister! Thank you for "keeping me on track" with the daily reflections. God Bless you!
Thank you for your reflection today. I needed to "hear" your words and take them to heart.
Amy Grant captures the message, "Rejoice in Being True, in Pouring Out Our Hearts to God ...."
"Better Than a Hallelujuah Sometimes" by Amy Grant (see & hear it on YouTube)
Thanks you Sister for reminding me of the many ways to REJOICE!