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December 16, 2007
Pastor’s Perspective
The focus of the Third Sunday of Advent is Joy. In ancient
times it was called “Gaudete Sunday” or “Rejoice Sunday” since we are
getting so close to Christmas.
In the Opening Prayer we hear
“Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to this birthday of
Church experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with
love and thanksgiving . . .”
When we open our hearts, find time
for some quiet, and refuse to be swept up in the commercialization of
this season, then we can let the Lord remove whatever hinders us from
receiving Christ with joy. May these remaining days of Advent
fill us with joy and not stress. With our efforts and God’s grace
- that is possible!
Peace & Happy Advent,
Fr. Chuck
Many of you asked me to share the Cherokee Reflection from last Sunday’s homily – so here it is:
Two Wolves: A Cherokee Teaching
An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life . . .
He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight
and it is between two wolves.
One wolf is evil – he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,
resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.
The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness,
benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”
They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather,
“Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee replied,
“The one you feed”.
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