Dec 9, 2024 Written by 

Why not feeling failed?

'Gaudete in Domino' and what to do

(Zeph 3:14-18; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18)

 

We wonder how to enter into the experience of Joy.

The tone of the book of Zephaniah is menacing until the vision reported in the first Reading. Its denunciation suddenly changes note.

The transformation of life has a Threshold of pure Faith.

This secret is revealed when we realise that God has lifted the sentence - and no punitive misfortune from above.

Once the woodworm of religion that seeks subjects to be punished is over, our improvements will be the fruit of the Father's patient result, renewing his Love (Zeph 3:17).

In key expressions, the sense of prophecy will be taken up by Lk in the Annunciation to Mary.

 

The incarnate Gift of Grace does not come like lightning, but pierces our condition of insignificance, even apprehension.

The Lord becomes Presence «in the midst» (vv. 15.17). The Hebrew expression reveals a God «in your innards», «in your womb».

The Eternal One does not show himself 'on high' to tower above. He does not stand 'in front', but 'within' - equidistant from all.

Likewise, his authentic apostles.

Person placed in such a vital environment evolves effortlessly; indeed, Joy flows through him and intoxicates.

The pyramid, on the other hand, turns us off.

 

When Paul writes to the Philippians he is in prison in Ephesus. Instead of cursing against misfortune he composes a letter punctuated with invitations to joy.

Why does he not feel like a failure?

He is certain that the Lord is the Source of his essence.

Same innate uniqueness from which the reality of the world and events emanate.

Our Core touches God; He is in the «bosom» of each one.

We therefore know that we can benefit from everything for even exponential growth, independent of luck.

And in the Calling by Name there is like a Vision, an intimate Image that directs the soul, and seeks more, and wants its place.

Life-changing dream.

 

In this way, the Vocation itself gradually introduces us into the experience of recovering the deep, unique, truly 'our' and divine character - where we can experience fullness of being.

 

But we «What shall we do?» (Lk 3:10.12.14).

John presents exemplary, topical situations.

None of them are about externals, about changing activities and professions, or following fashions - nor are they about the streamlining of devotional practice and the purification of worship!

On this Sunday, the Liturgy teaches that the healing of the world will be the result of simply coming together; the rest will arise spontaneously.

The life drive of 'nature' itself will take its course.

 

The first context of questions posed to the Baptizer sums up the other awkward situations.

He who has the courage of gratuitousness offers himself, and thus also makes others overcome everything.

It creates well-being, enthusiasm and wisdom even in those who suffer penury - or [in religion] fears of scruples.

‘Gaudete in Domino semper': we do not want to consign ourselves to a merely fairy-tale or à la page devotion, which loses ground because - if empty or trendy - it will be burnt as «straw» (v.17).

If God is Coming... let us ask ourselves what food and second tunic (v.10) we are able to share.

 

Gladness will emerge in the Gift that becomes Present.

 

 

[3rd Sunday in Advent (year C) Gaudete, December 15, 2024]

549 Last modified on Sunday, 15 December 2024 12:04
don Giuseppe Nespeca

Giuseppe Nespeca è architetto e sacerdote. Cultore della Sacra scrittura è autore della raccolta "Due Fuochi due Vie - Religione e Fede, Vangeli e Tao"; coautore del libro "Dialogo e Solstizio".

“They found”: this word indicates the Search. This is the truth about man. It cannot be falsified. It cannot even be destroyed. It must be left to man because it defines him (John Paul II)
“Trovarono”: questa parola indica la Ricerca. Questa è la verità sull’uomo. Non la si può falsificare. Non la si può nemmeno distruggere. La si deve lasciare all’uomo perché essa lo definisce (Giovanni Paolo II)
Thousands of Christians throughout the world begin the day by singing: “Blessed be the Lord” and end it by proclaiming “the greatness of the Lord, for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant” (Pope Francis)
Migliaia di cristiani in tutto il mondo cominciano la giornata cantando: “Benedetto il Signore” e la concludono “proclamando la sua grandezza perché ha guardato con bontà l’umiltà della sua serva” (Papa Francesco)
The new Creation announced in the suburbs invests the ancient territory, which still hesitates. We too, accepting different horizons than expected, allow the divine soul of the history of salvation to visit us
La nuova Creazione annunciata in periferia investe il territorio antico, che ancora tergiversa. Anche noi, accettando orizzonti differenti dal previsto, consentiamo all’anima divina della storia della salvezza di farci visita
People have a dream: to guess identity and mission. The feast is a sign that the Lord has come to the family
Il popolo ha un Sogno: cogliere la sua identità e missione. La festa è segno che il Signore è giunto in famiglia
“By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary”. At this sentence we kneel, for the veil that concealed God is lifted, as it were, and his unfathomable and inaccessible mystery touches us: God becomes the Emmanuel, “God-with-us” (Pope Benedict)
«Per opera dello Spirito Santo si è incarnato nel seno della Vergine Maria». A questa frase ci inginocchiamo perché il velo che nascondeva Dio, viene, per così dire, aperto e il suo mistero insondabile e inaccessibile ci tocca: Dio diventa l’Emmanuele, “Dio con noi” (Papa Benedetto)
The ancient priest stagnates, and evaluates based on categories of possibilities; reluctant to the Spirit who moves situationsi
Il sacerdote antico ristagna, e valuta basando su categorie di possibilità; riluttante allo Spirito che smuove le situazioni
«Even through Joseph’s fears, God’s will, his history and his plan were at work. Joseph, then, teaches us that faith in God includes believing that he can work even through our fears, our frailties and our weaknesses. He also teaches us that amid the tempests of life, we must never be afraid to let the Lord steer our course. At times, we want to be in complete control, yet God always sees the bigger picture» (Patris Corde, n.2).
«Anche attraverso l’angustia di Giuseppe passa la volontà di Dio, la sua storia, il suo progetto. Giuseppe ci insegna così che avere fede in Dio comprende pure il credere che Egli può operare anche attraverso le nostre paure, le nostre fragilità, la nostra debolezza. E ci insegna che, in mezzo alle tempeste della vita, non dobbiamo temere di lasciare a Dio il timone della nostra barca. A volte noi vorremmo controllare tutto, ma Lui ha sempre uno sguardo più grande» (Patris Corde, n.2).
Man is the surname of God: the Lord in fact takes his name from each of us - whether we are saints or sinners - to make him our surname (Pope Francis). God's fidelity to the Promise is realized not only through men, but with them (Pope Benedict).

Due Fuochi due Vie - Vol. 1 Due Fuochi due Vie - Vol. 2 Due Fuochi due Vie - Vol. 3 Due Fuochi due Vie - Vol. 4 Due Fuochi due Vie - Vol. 5 Dialogo e Solstizio I fiammiferi di Maria

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