"Make your hearts firm"

For this Sunday's Mass we light the rose (also know as pink) candle and the clergy will be wearing the rose vestments. We call this Gaudete Sunday, for the Latin word for "rejoice," and it is the "halfway point" of Advent. It is at this point that we begin to look forward with great joy and hope to our celebration of the coming of the Savior!

In our readings this week there is a lot of talk about the heart. First, Isaiah tells us to "Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you." Then St. James tells us "Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand." In our times, when it is so easy to despair or lose hope, this is a reminder to us of the incredible things God has done and the incredible love he has shown by sending his Son to become like us in all things but sin!

So let our hearts be filled with great joy this week! Our liturgical celebration of the coming of the Lord is close at hand! Be strong, take heart, fear not! God has come into the world and set us free! He is full of kindness and mercy! Let us rejoice and be glad!

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.