The Lord’s salvation will be made known to the poor and the oppressed. – Isaiah 61

Today we light the pink candle in our Advent wreath. This candle reminds us that even though Advent is a season of the three Ps—penance, prayer, and preparation—joy is also all around us. The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete, a Latin word which means “rejoice,” is taken from the entrance antiphon for today’s Mass. Although the feeling of the Christmas season—one of celebration and cheer—is seen everywhere this time of year, we can’t forget the many people in our world who suffer. Today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah reminds us that Jesus hears the cries of the poor.  It’s our job during Advent to make sure that they know they are loved.

In a remote community where CMMB works in Kenya, our social worker, Joseph, sees both joy and sorrow in his daily work as he visits families in marginalized communities. This week, Joseph’s reports have been particularly difficult. He identified three families whose suffering is so great, that they will become part of our Angel Program. From a shaken widow who just found out that she is extremely sick, to a frail grandmother raising six grandchildren on her own (pictured above), to a mother of four whose husband went to find work in the city and never returned, these three women share hardships of extreme poverty.

Joseph says, “The living conditions of these families is pathetic. These women and children are weak, sick, and thin from hunger. Lucy says life is a struggle. Grandma Daina told me that God knows her family’s suffering. Leah relies on her faith to get through each hopeless day. I’m glad that these families will be part of CMMB’s Angel Program. These mothers and grandmothers need kind donors to bring joy that comes from prayers answered, and a chance for their children to live a better life.”

Though many of us may not see it up close in our daily lives, there is a lot of need in our world. The vulnerable women and children we serve may not have adequate healthcare, shelter, food, or even clothes beyond the ones they are wearing. Each day is a struggle just to survive. This week, let’s remember that part of our preparation during Advent includes a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate. On Guadete Sunday, please pray that our Angel families receive the gift of love and rejoice.