In Joyful Preparation of Christ ✨✨Your Catholic Weekly Reflection from CMMB

“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.”
—Philippians 4:4-5

This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” The Advent season is a season of joy as we anticipate the birth of Jesus, knowing our salvation is already at hand. But sadly, the families we serve have little to be joyful about.

In Haiti, our Country Director, Dr. Dianne Jean-Francois shared with us some stories of the women we serve. Poverty is all they have ever known. They never had the chance to go to school and had few opportunities. Yet they are responsible for the survival of their families. Mothers like:

Lucianie, who is raising two small boys on her own after her husband abandoned them.

Jieumen, who depends on farming for her family’s sustenance but due to poor rains doesn’t have enough to feed them.

Rosena, who suffered a stroke recently and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. “I can’t think about what will happen to my children if I get sick again.”

This is the time of year when we reflect on our blessings. We all know how great it feels to receive gifts. Our lives are richer when we share, and that great inner joy comes from helping others to better their lives.
—Dr. Dianne, CMMB Country Director, Haiti

Advent is a time of preparation to welcome Jesus. In today’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist tell the crowd that there are things they can do to prepare as they wait for Jesus. Just like them, there are things we can do in preparation of Jesus’ birth. We can pray. We can help our family and others. We can share our blessings.

Let us join together and pray to God that we can find ways to prepare for the coming of Jesus.

In grace and peace,
CMMB – Healthier Lives Worldwide

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