St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

           Light the Candle of Joy

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      This weekend, we are lighting the candle of Joy. From December 16th, we celebrate ‘Las Posadas’ and from December 17th we will be praying Novenas to the Nativity of Our Lord. All these celebrations have a spiritual dimension to prepare our hearts joyfully to welcome Jesus into our life.

     Posadas commemorates the journey Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. It takes place over nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve, and is marked by a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey. If you can, join our Hispanic brothers and sisters at 7PM every night to experience this enactment.

    When we try to define ‘joy’ we define ‘happiness!’. Why? It’s misunderstood by most people. "Happiness" is a more fleeting emotion, usually linked to external circumstances or events, like receiving a gift; while “joy” is a deeper, more lasting contentment and satisfaction that stems from within, like giving gifts. When the Angels sang at the birth of Jesus, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come,” they sang the joy of THE gift–giving Father, God.

     Your joy does not depend on anyone else but you. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. ‘Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. (Luke 6:22-23) The fruit of the Spirit of God is joy. (Gal. 5:22) When St. Paul was ‘in Prison’ he wrote to the Philippians and invited 16 times, “Rejoice in the Lord.” The Angels said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy.” Keep your hearts open to welcome Jesus!

     Joy has a marvelous medicinal power. This is very contagious. One dolorous spirit kills our joy in our home; but joy will strengthen you for your daily living! Therefore Mary sang in the “Magnificat” “My spirit rejoices in God.” Thus, joy comes from God-in-us! May you and your family find His joy!

  Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier                                        

                                       Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our New Bishop.

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