By
Father Dan Tracy
“The storms that buffet us will never prevail, for we are firmly anchored in the hope born of grace, which enables us to live in Christ and to overcome sin, fear and death.” – Pope Francis, Spes Non Confundit, para. 25.
This coming weekend I will be away from Saint Patrick Parish as I offer a Mass and parish mission at Holy Rosary Parish in Mellen, Wisconsin. Mellen, if you didn’t know, is about a half-hour south of Ashland and an hour northeast of Hayward. That parish is part of a larger four-parish family which includes parishes in High Bridge, Sanborn, and Glidden.
The title of the parish mission I will give is “Rejoice in Hope.” I chose this title for two reasons. Firstly, the parish mission will be given on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, where we recall the joy of the Advent season during our preparation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord. Secondly, nine days after the parish mission the Universal Church will begin a Jubilee Year of Hope called by Pope Francis. A Jubilee Year is a special period of time for us as Catholics to be united in a common pursuit of following the Lord and proclaiming His love to the nations.
I highly encourage you to read Pope Francis’ letter announcing the Jubilee Year which was published in May of 2024 and can be accessed on the Vatican’s website, Vatican.va. The title of the letter is “Spes Non Confundit” which translated to English means “Hope does not disappoint.”
As we look at our readings for this Sunday, we ought to feel encouraged. Particularly the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians invites us to be cloaked in some of the most essential virtues of the Christian life.
Joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Kindness. “Your kindness should be known to all.” Hope. “Have no anxiety at all…”. Peace. “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we foster these and other virtues in our lives as disciples of Jesus, we ought to overflow with gladness and delight in our hearts. Think for a moment even of the popular story of “The Grinch” whose heart grew three sizes when he encountered the cheerful singing of the Whos down in Whoville. If we fail to remember the joy of new life that can be found in Jesus, we can easily make our way through the Advent and Christmas seasons as a Grinch who complains instead of a disciple who proclaims the Good News to all people.
What a privileged time we all have – not just us clergy – to preach the good news. Let us cry out with joy and gladness for among us is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Gracias a Dios.
Saint Patrick Parish's mission is to joyfully proclaim, share, and celebrate the love and mercy of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacraments, prayer, and ministry.
