By Sister Mary Josephine Torborg, OSB
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice. The Lord is near.”
These opening words of our Gaudate celebration this Sunday capture the theme of our readings for the day, the theme of Joy. Joy is a gift from God embedded within each one of us.
An example of this deep joy is found in a story of grief leading to this deep joy, related by Tom McGrath in the periodical “Prepare the Word,” Nov. 20, 2005. Mourners were proceeding slowly toward a grieving mother, who stood beside the casket of her only son. This young man had died in a tragic accident. Everyone who had gathered to pay their respect ached inside, wondering what they might say to this sorrowful mother. But she smiled at them through her tears and said, “At least I know where my son is right now.”
She explained that earlier that day a homeless man hobbled in on crutches. Even though he was choked up, he found the words to say, “I just had to come and pay my respects. You know, I sell newspapers and sometimes beg for spare change over near the expressway entrance. Every morning your son would stop. He always smiled, said hello, and asked how I was doing. He usually had a cup of coffee for me, and sometimes a sandwich. He treated me decent.”
On hearing the story from the homeless man, this grieving mother was touched with deep joy, knowing that her son was with God at this very moment. “At least I know where my son is right now.”
Those who came to offer words of comfort were themselves comforted as the truth dawned on them. “For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” All the family and the many friends who came to grieve walked away with a final lesson in faith from this fine young man.
As we ponder the Scripture, we are encouraged to be watchful, to be alert, to stay tuned to the presence of God in our lives, as we engage in the work of preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord.
The prophet Zephaniah begins his reading in this way. “Shout for joy o daughter of Zeon. Sing joyfully, O Israel. Be glad and exult with all your heart.” The prophet told the people to be happy and rejoice because God had promised to remove the judgment against the people.
In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we have a similar instruction. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, your kindness should be known to all.
It is interesting to note that in the middle of Advent the focus is on joy. I was reminded of a special quote from the Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel. He wrote, “Human beings are the cantors of the universe, able to sing praise and give thanks in the name of all creation.” This gives special meaning and joy to us as Benedictines and others. Each time we come together for prayer we are praising God in the name of all creation.
As we move into the second half of our Advent Adventure, Joseph Naasl has these marvelous words for us: “We are all pregnant with the presence of God.” What an inspiring grace-filled adventure our Advent would be, if we daily continued to nurture this divine presence growing within us. How deep our joy will be!
As we move into the second half of our Advent Adventure, 2
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