facebook.com/IHMatlanta @IHMatl

Join us next Sunday after the 9:30

a.m. Mass for Coffee & Donuts in the

Historic Church!

As we hear the gospel of the

Annunciation by the angel Gabriel to

Mary, we will offer a special blessing

for expectant mothers during the

11:30 a.m. Mass on the Fourth Sunday

of Advent, December 20. All are

welcome.

2016 Calendars will be available to

pick up in the Narthex after all

Masses this weekend.

2855 Briarcliff Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Through worship, education, and service, we continue the work of Jesus.

phone: 404-636-1418 fax: 404-636-4394

Dear brothers and sisters in the Coming Lord,

Very soon, in your mail at home, you will receive your first set of

church offertory envelopes from a new envelope company. This vendor will save

the parish more than $3,000 annually. I’m sure the outer envelope will look a

little different; please be sure not to discard it!

You will notice that, beginning in January, there is an envelope for a

second collection at every Sunday Mass. I fully realize that nobody likes second

collections. However, as I’ve told you on a number of occasions since I arrived

as your pastor seven months ago, the service of our church construction debt,

which the parish has neglected for most of the last six years, is my number one

fiscal priority.

Therefore, whenever there is not another national, archdiocesan or St.

Vincent de Paul Society collection, we will conduct a second collection for a

parish Debt Reduction Fund. Archbishop Gregory has approved my request to

establish this Fund, and all contributions to this Fund will be used to help us

accelerate the retirement of our debt.

I encourage the use of offertory envelopes. They help keep us all on

track with our commitment to church support, and they allow the parish to

record your gifts for tax purposes.

Another option is to enroll in online giving, which ensures that your gift

to God through the church arrives even when you are traveling or otherwise

indisposed. Learn more about online giving options at www.ihmatlanta.org.

Many who choose online giving continue to use their offertory envelopes so that

they can participate actively in the offertory collection during mass; they simply

write “I have given online” on their envelope. This is a wonderful strategy for

teaching our young about the duty of Christian stewardship.

Once again, I thank you for your commitment to Christ’s Church and

your support of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish. May the remaining days of

Advent bring you peace, and your Christmas be filled with profound joy.

Your brother in Christ’s word and work,

Monsignor Albert Jowdy

Mass Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. Thursdays: 7:00 p.m. in Spanish Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.; 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday: 9:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 5:00 p.m. Misas en Español Jueves a las 7:00 p.m. Domingos a la 1:30 p.m. y 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation Saturdays: 9:15 a.m. Anytime by appointment Confesiones Jueves: 6:00 p.m. en español Cualquier día por cita. Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Adoración al Santísimo Jueves de 9:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Hora Santa en español: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Office Hours /Horas de Oficina Monday–Friday/ lunes a viernes 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fax Number/No. de Fax 404-636-4394 Emergency No./No. de Emergencia 770-890-5299 IHM School/Escuela de IHM 404-636-4488 Website/Sitio Web http://www.ihmatlanta.org Social Media/Red Social

Bulletin Notices Please submit your request 14 days in advance to/Envíe su anuncio por correo electrónico 14 días antes a: bulletin@ihmatlanta.org.

Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Reading 2: Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

To submit a prayer request, please email: bulletin@ihmatlanta.org or call the parish office at 404-636-1418. Para solicitar una oración, por favor llame a la oficina. † We ask that you offer a prayer for those who have died, especially for/oremos por quienes murieron, especialmente por: Brian Arbour, Mark Dunn, Leonardo Humberto Medina, Mary Cline, Tom Connelly, Georgina Lavandero, Alvaro Iriarte Alvira, Eduardo Guevara Parra, Nancy Pope, Douglas T. Fuller, Antoine Pierre, Wanda Burrell, Selma Nort, Eduardo Sarmiento Lara, Tivursio Torres, and Reggie Blaess. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Also, please pray for those who are sick, especially for/oremos por quienes están enfermos, especialmente por: Norma Drake, Joe Ledlie, Margaret Mackool, Irma Sanchez Morales, Luisa Blanco, Annette Boehnlein, Serrano-Rodriguez Family, Robert Dohnal, Katherine Million Welch, Brandon Barniea, Michele Wolfe, Olga Cecilia Muñoz, Yuselis Amaya, Hortensia Lopez Coutiño, and Father Joseph Peek.

www.facebook.com/IHMAtlanta

www.twitter.com/IHMatl

Sunday 9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Eun Lucy Song & Byung John Seoh †

Edward Barnsley †

Jose Carmen Palma & Esperanza Hidalgo †

Alice Maloof †

Missa Pro Populo

Monday 8:30 a.m. Noah Rodriguez †

Readings of the Day: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Father Austin Fogarty † Readings of the Day: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32

Wednesday 8:30 a.m. Marie Versane Readings of the Day: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Luke 7:18b-23

Thursday 8:30 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

Kitty Field †

Ramiro Arias † Readings of the Day: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17

Friday 8:30 a.m. Stephanie Panetta †

Readings of the Day: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25

Saturday 8:30 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

Manuel Zaa † Readings of the Day: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25

Donald Geschke †

Sunday 9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Carlene Bollinger †

Maye Sita Agnes †

Missa Pro Populo

Lori Ann Haydu †

Pablo Ledesma †

Pastor Msgr. Albert Jowdy ajowdy@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 235 Parochial Vicar Fr. Javier Muñoz jmunoz@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 228 Parochial Vicar Fr. William Hao bhao@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 242 Pastoral Associate Deacon Bob Hauert bhauert@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 251

* * * * *

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Ana McQuilkin amcquilkin@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 221 Secretary Silvia Maldonado smaldonado@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 240 Business Manager & Finance Director Richard Plachta rplachta@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 245 Bookkeeper Dona Maynard dmaynard@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 243 Director of Faith Formation Drew Denton ddenton@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 223 Faith Formation Coordinator Alicia Guerrero aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 227 Youth Minister Kathy Guerrero kguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 222 Faith Formation Administrative Assistant Olga Torres otorres@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 236 Director of Liturgy and Music Jeff Bush jbush@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 247 Liturgy and Music Associate Yolanda Muñoz ymunoz@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 241 Communications Coordinator Jayna Hoffacker jhoffacker@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 226 Director of Operations David Claussen dclaussen@ihmatlanta.org 404-636-4488 Ext. 235

IHMATLANTA.ORG

Thursday, December 24

The Vigil of Christmas

4:00 p.m. (English)

6:30 p.m. (English)

9:00 p.m. (Spanish)

Midnight Mass

12 Midnight (English)

Friday, December 25

Nativity of the Lord

9:00 a.m. (English)

11:30 a.m. (English)

1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

Thursday, December 31

4:00 p.m. (English)

6:00 p.m. (Spanish)

Friday, January 1, 2016

11:30 a.m. (English)

1:30 p.m. (Spanish)

Our parish Advent Penance Service was November 30. Thanks to the hundreds who

took advantage of that opportunity to experience the healing of reconciliation prior to

Christmas, and to the 18 priest confessors who assisted us. If you missed our own

service, Monsignor Al, Father Javier and Father Bill will also be assisting at the

penance services of neighboring parishes throughout Advent, and you are welcome to

join them at one of those. Upcoming penance services:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Blessed Sacrament Church, Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

Holy Cross Church, Tucker, 7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

St. Thomas More Church, Decatur, 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

St. Paul of the Cross Church, Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 St. Anthony of Padua Church, Atlanta, 2:00 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.

AQUINAS CENTER DISCUSSION PANEL: WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SYNOD ON THE FAMILY Tuesday, December 15

The recent Synod of Bishops in Rome gained headlines for its sometimes heated debates over controversial issues, such as communion for remarried Catholics. What did the synod accomplish? Where do we go from here? Emory University’s Aquinas Center of Theology will be convening a panel at IHM to discuss these questions on December 15. The panel-ists include Dr. Phillip M. Thompson, Executive

Director of the Aquinas Center; Br. Minlib Dallh, O.P., a Dominican friar and adjunct professor at Emory; and Layla Karst, an IHM parishioner and Ph.D. student in liturgical studies at Emory. The event begins at 7:00 in the lower level. No registration is required. Come take part in the latest of the Aquinas Center’s unexpected conversations for the common good.

HANGING OF THE GREENS Monday, December 21

This year, the Hanging of the Greens is on Monday, December 21. We’ll start

at 6:00 p.m., and finish before 9:00 p.m. Come for all of it, or come for part of

it. After you are done, treat yourself to some hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies

as treats. While we are working, we will be enjoying beautiful music of the

season playing in the background. It’s guaranteed to be a night that helps you

get into the Christmas spirit and a night that reminds us all of the importance of

giving. We hope you and your family can help prepare our church for our cele-

bration of the birth of Christ!

BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, January 13 The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a blood drive on Wednesday, Janu-

ary 13. Go to http://www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “ihomc”

to schedule an appointment to donate.

Monday, December 14 9:30-11:30 - Mom’s Play Group 3:30-4:30 - Daisy Troop 12526 Tuesday, December 15 12:30-3:30 - Tuesday Bridge 7:00-9:00 - Divine Mercy Cenacle 7:00-9:00 - Aquinas Center Panel 7:00-9:00 - Boy Scout Troop 550 Wednesday, December 16 9:30-11:30 - Creative Hands 5:00-6:15 - Children’s Choir Rehearsal 7:00-8:30 - GIFT (Middle School)

7:00-8:30 - Spanish Charismatic Group 7:00-9:00 - English Ensemble Rehearsal 7:00-9:00 - JustFaith Thursday, December 17 9:30-6:00 - Adoration 9:30-11:00 - Scripture Study 7:00-8:00 - Mustard Seed 7:00-8:15 - Scripture Study 7:00-9:00 - Hispanic Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 18 5:00-6:00 - Brownie Troop 15180 6:00-9:00 - Atlanta Young Singers

6:30-8:30 - Baptism Class (Sp.) Saturday, December 19 10:30-12:00 - Respect Life 12:00-2:00 - Niñas de Maria 2:00-3:30 - GIFT (K-6) 2:00-4:00 - Domingo Savio 6:00-8:00 - Adult Formation (Sp.) 6:00-8:30 - CRHP (Sp.) 6:00-9:00 - Atlanta Young Singers 6:30-9:00 - Charismatic Renewal 7:00-9:00 - Grupo Juvenil

CHERUBS, SHEPHERDS, SHEEP, AND SINGERS NEEDED! At the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve, we

will present a silent Gospel tableaux with the

help of parishioners ages 4-7. There will also

be a children’s choir that will sing (Grades 2

to 8) at the Mass. The mandatory rehearsal

for the pageant will be Wednesday, Decem-

ber 23, at 6:30 p.m. The one and only

required rehearsal for the choir will be

Wednesday, December 23, at 7:00 p.m.

If your child(ren) would like to be a part of

either the pageant or the choir, please contact

Jeff Bush at jbush@ihmaltanta.org by

Monday, December 14 for all the details.

NEWCOMERS WELCOME RECEPTION

Saturday, January 30 Attention all new parishioners! You are invit-

ed to the Newcomers Welcome Reception on

Saturday, January 30, 2016, in the lower level

of the church after the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass.

If you provided your email address when you

registered with the parish, you will be receiv-

ing an evite.

If you did not, or if you prefer not to RSVP

electronically, please call the parish office at

404-636-1418.

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Catholic School

National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

December 13, 2015

At IHM School we place a great deal of emphasis on serving

others—whether they are people we know, or people we

have never met; people in our immediate community or

people who are far away. Teaching our students to be

“positive, productive Christians serving society” is part of

our motto. In keeping with our teachings, our school

regularly reaches out to those in need. At left, two 7th

grade students decorate the Christmas tree at Briarcliff

Oaks retirement center. We also have a group of students

who walk there once a month to assist with parties and play

Bingo with the residents.

Below, parent volunteers and students are busily packing

care boxes for military service members all over the world.

This year we sent off 60 boxes filled with snacks, personal

care items, playing cards, stationery, socks and gloves—to

be shared by the recipients with their units.

In addition, our Student Council members

just concluded a toy drive to benefit Catholic

Charities. All last week students were

encouraged to bring in new, age appropriate

toys that were collected each day by the

Student Council. These toys will be used to

brighten the Christmas morning of many

less fortunate children.

If you are interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith, we welcome you to attend our inquiry classes each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the IHM School Library, beginning September 13.

Director Drew Denton 404-636-1418, ext. 223 ddenton@ihmatlanta.org Coordinator Alicia Guerrero 404-636-1418, ext. 227 aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org

Administrative Assistant Olga Torres 404-636-1418, ext. 236 otorres@ihmatlanta.org

Youth Minister Kathy Guerrero 404-636-1418, ext. 222 kguerrero@ihmatlanta.org

Mark Your Calendars: One-Hour Advent Retreats Do you want a deeper understanding and fuller experience of the season of Advent? On December 6 and December 20, Martha Gross will be holding one-hour “mini-retreats” to help draw us into the mystery of Advent. These sessions will take place in the school library in between the morning Masses (10:15-11:15). Martha Gross holds both a Master of Theological Studies and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill College. She has been leading retreats at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers for the past ten years.

Scripture Study: Thursday mornings and evenings

Each Thursday, Dr. Louanne Bachner leads an informative and prayerful discussion of the lectionary readings for the following Sunday. These classes meet in the Lower Level at two different times: 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. There is no registration required and no fees to participate. Feel free to join the group as your schedule permits.

In ancient Israel, a jubilee year was a time when society hit a “reset” button: debts

were forgiven, land returned to its original owners, and captives were set free. Pope

Francis has called for a special Jubilee Year of Mercy to begin on December 8 and

continue through November 20, 2016: an opportunity to “reset” our spiritual lives,

recognizing God’s infinite mercy and accepting his gift of forgiveness. Stay tuned

for more information about how you can celebrate the Jubilee Year here at IHM and

in your own home. For now, here are a few practical ways to incorporate mercy into

your preparations for Christmas:

1. Experience God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you missed the

penance service here at IHM, find one at a neighboring parish. They will

continue throughout the Advent season.

2. Practice the works of mercy. Donate food or warm clothing to St. Vincent de

Paul; visit someone in the hospital; send a Christmas card to someone in prison.

3. In all your interactions—even with difficult family members, impatient

shoppers or impolite drivers— “Be merciful, just as your Father is

merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

7

Kathy Guerrero • 404-636-1418 Ext. 222 • kguerrero@ihmatlanta.org • www.ihmatlanta.org/youth-ministry

Calling all teens! — You are the future of the

church! You have a voice, you can inspire and

you can make a difference. Now it’s your

chance to step up and take action in your

community. Starting next year, there will be a

group of teen leaders and together you can plan

events, tournaments, fundraisers, and more!

Please EMAIL Kathy Guerrero to sign up or for

more information. We will be having our first

meeting towards the end of January!

For all teens that have already signed up, you

will be receiving an e few emails during the

holidays, so please make sure you read those.

Resources are now available

Make sure you visit the IHM Youth Ministry page online

at www.ihmatlanta.org/youth-ministry for some great

Advent resources that you can do by yourself, with a

friend, or with the whole family!

InstaAdvent

Follow us at @ihmatlyouth and join us in sharing how

you celebrate Advent by posting your photos on our

Instagram and Twitter page. Simply use the hashtags

#ihmatlyouth and #advent2015.

What’s Happening in December

There are various activities and celebrations this month

as we prepare for Christmas. Make sure you stay posted

for what is happening here at IHM by reading the

bulletin or the online schedule at www.ihmatlanta.org/

advent-2015.

GIFT students, this is a reminder for you to

make note of the last day of class this year / first

session starting in January 2016.

Wednesday (MS): Dec. 16 / Jan. 13

Saturday (K-6): Dec. 19 / Jan. 9

Sunday (K-6 and HS): Dec. 20 / Jan. 10

If you have any questions, please feel free to

contact anyone in the Faith Formation

department.

SPACE FOR ADS

GRACE Scholars is a Georgia nonprofit corporation and tax exempt charity. GRACE has met the

requirements for designation as a student scholarship organization (SSO) in Georgia. Because

GRACE is an SSO, Georgia taxpayers can redirect part of their tax liability to GRACE and

qualify for a generous tax benefit created by the Georgia legislature – a 100 percent tax credit. As

GRACE is a tax exempt charity (501-c-3 organization), gifts to GRACE are also qualify

charitable contributions under federal law. For more information on how to redirect your tax

dollars to Catholic education, visit www.gracescholars.org.

Due to the holiday bulletin deadline, the

offertory information is not available.

Show your appreciation for the senior

Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious

order priests who made a positive

difference in so many lives.

Please give generously to this weekend’s

collection for the Retirement Fund for

Religious.

“All This I Do For the Sake of the Gospel”

We have reached our goal in pledges for the 2015 Archbishop’s

Annual Appeal! But we really should be achieving TWICE our goal

each year, since AAA funds received over and above our goal return

to us at IHM without any Archdiocesan assessment! Our gifts help

the charitable works of the Archdiocese AND they help our parish.

If you have not already made a pledge to the 2015 AAA, please visit

http://appeal.archatl.com to make your pledge today!

Thank you to all who have already pledged! Remember to look for

your monthly pledge reminders, and please do your best to honor

your pledge before the end of the year. If you are having any

difficulty whatsoever with your pledge or pledge reminders, please

contact Richard Plachta at rplachta@ihmatlanta.org or 404-636-

1418, ext. 245.

Niños menores de 7 años,

Los padres DEBEN registrarse antes en la oficina parroquial; en ese momento recibirán la fecha de la plática correspondiente y del bautismo. Al registrarse deben entregar copia del Acta de Nacimiento de la persona que va a ser bautizada.

Llamar al Padre Javier Muñoz y hacer cita para hablar de los requisitos, por lo menos 6 meses antes de la fecha deseada.

Jueves de 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. en español, y en inglés los sábados a las 9:15 a.m. o durante la semana haciendo cita con el sacerdote.

Llamar a la oficina y comunicarse con Yolanda Muñoz por lo menos 6 meses antes de la fecha deseada.

Si no eres católico (a) o si eres mayor de 18 años y no has recibido los sacramentos de Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación, te invitamos a aprender más acerca de nuestra fe. Comuníquese con Alicia Guerrero en la oficina parroquial.

Si has estado alejado (a) de la parroquia, bienvenido (a). Comunícate con nosotros para conocerte y preséntate al sacerdote después de la Misa.

Bienvenidos a nuestra comunidad; visítanos en la oficina para llenar la hoja de registro. Es muy importante que estés registrado en la parroquia.

Jueves, 24 de diciembre

Noche Buena

4:00 p.m. (inglés)

6:30 p.m. (inglés)

9:00 p.m. (español)

Misa de medianoche

12 medianoche (inglés)

Viernes, 25 de diciembre

La Natividad del Señor

9:00 a.m. (inglés)

11:30 a.m. (inglés)

1:30 p.m. (español)

Jueves, 31 de diciembre

4:00 p.m. (inglés)

6:00 p.m. (español)

Viernes, primero de enero de 2016

11:30 a.m. (inglés)

1:30 p.m. (español)

¡Aviso a los nuevos feligreses!

Todos están invitados a la recepción que tendrá lugar el sábado, 30 de enero del

2016 en la planta baja de la iglesia después de la misa de vigilia de las 4:00 p.m.

Si usted proporcionó su dirección de correo electrónico cuando se inscribió en la

parroquia, recibirá un evite.

Si no lo hizo, o si prefiere no responder electrónicamente, por favor llamar a la

oficina de la parroquia al 404-636-1418.

ACTIVIDAD DE LA SEMANA · Somos llamados a vivir la promesa

de nuestro bautismo cada día y a ser

signos de la presencia de Jesús en el

mundo. Pidan a cada miembro de la

familia que diga cómo él o ella puede

ser un signo de Jesús para los demás.

Juntos, decidan qué proyecto familiar

pueden hacer esta semana, como

preparar una comida para una familia

que ha pasado por una situación difícil

o que se acaba de mudar al vecindario.

· Para la oración familiar de un día de

esta semana, coloquen un recipiente

con agua en un sitio central de su casa.

Pidan a los miembros de la familia que

se acerquen al recipiente y se bendigan

con el agua en el nombre del Padre,

del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Al hacer

esto, recuerden la promesa bautismal

que hicieron de ser ejemplos del amor

de Dios en el mundo. Concluyan con

el Padrenuestro.

· Este es el tercer domingo de

adviento, un día de regocijo. Hagan

una actividad divertida con la familia,

como usar un trineo, hacer galletas o

pasear juntos en el carro para ver las

luces de Navidad.

· Enciendan tres velas (dos moradas y

una rosada) en la corona de adviento.

Pidan a cada miembro de la familia

que ofrezcan una oración de gracias

por alguien que ha mostrado la

presencia de Cristo a través de su

amor, paciencia o perdón. Concluyan

rezando juntos el Padrenuestro.

El ofertorio del 5 y 6 de diciembre será incluido en el próximo boletín. ¡Gracias por su contribución; que el Señor premie su generosidad! Su colaboración ayuda a que nuestros ministerios sigan funcionando en nuestra parroquia de IHM.

12 y 13 DE DICIEMBRE I Lectura: Sofonías 3:14-18 II Lectura: Filipenses 4:4-7 Evangelio: Lucas 3:10-18

19 y 20 DE DICIEMBRE I Lectura: Miqueas 5:1-4a II Lectura: Hebreos 10:5-10 Evangelio: Lucas 1:39-45

Muestre su agradecimiento a los hermanos, hermanas y sacerdotes de órdenes religiosas quienes mar-caron la diferencia en tantas vidas. Sea generoso en su donativo a la colecta de 13 de diciembre del Fondo para la Jubilación de Religi-osos.

Domingo, 13 de diciembre de 2015

¡Regocíjate!

Lecturas del día: Sofonías 3:14–18a; Isaías

12:2–3, 4, 5–6; Filipenses 4:4–7; Lucas

3:10–18.

Gaudete es la palabra latina para

regocijarse, la cual empleamos este

domingo tercero de Adviento. Es Domingo

de Gaudete, y nos regocijamos por las

abundantes bendiciones que Dios derrama

sobre nosotros. Es día de regocijo porque

Dios está en medio de nosotros y nos ha

salvado de nuestros enemigos. El gozo

sube desde la profundidad de nuestro

corazón para corresponder al amor de Dios.

Dese un tiempo para releer la lectura de Sofonías. Sus líneas finales describen

el profundo amor de Dios por nosotros y cómo él se deleita en restaurar nuestra

vida. ¿Cómo se regocija usted en Dios? ¿Su alegría anima a los demás a vivir

en Cristo?

Esta semana seguimos ahondando en nuestra relación con Cristo y la necesidad

de convertirnos de mente y corazón. Releamos el evangelio. Imagínese que

usted se acerca a Juan en alguno de los grupos y le pregunta: “¿Qué debo

hacer?”. Viendo lo que Juan responde a los demás, ¿qué le diría a usted? Lo

que les indica a la gente, a los publicanos y a los soldados tiene que ver con

estar en buena relación con los demás. ¿Qué debe usted cambiar para estar en

buena relación con otras personas? Piense en su relación con su familia, amigos

e hijos. ¿Su modo de relacionarse manifiesta la gloria de Dios y lleva a las

personas a una relación más íntima con su Redentor? En el bautismo nos hemos

unido a Cristo, y el poder del Espíritu Santo nos ha transformado.

Regocijémonos en el amor de Dios.)

© 2015 Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Texto de Timothy A. Johnston.

Aprobación canónica de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, 27 de febrero de 2015.