Exiit qui seminat

In our first reading this Sunday from the Book of the Prophet Baruch, the prophet tells the people of Jerusalem to take off their robes of mourning and misery and to put on the splendor of the glory of God. Our responsorial psalm reminds us that we are filled with joy. However, it is sometimes hard for us to embrace the joy and glory of the Lord, especially this time of year. We are reminded of our loved ones, our families and friends who have died. For so many of us, our lives are not easy and our crosses are heavy. We have so many things that burden us down and preoccupy our thoughts. But it is for all of these things that Christ came into the world and will come again in glory! While we may struggle to feel the warmth of God's love and joy doesn't mean that He is not present in our lives and accompanying us on our way. St. Pio of Pietrelcina wrote that the only thing that is necessary for our hearts in times of preoccupation and anxiety is to lift up our spirits to the Lord and love Him. While it might be hard, let us continue to strive to feel the joy and glory of God, even if we have to "fake it until we make it". Let us endeavor to share that joy with others even if we have difficulty feeling it ourselves. Sometimes knowing it is present is enough. Let us ask our Lord in a particular way to increase that joy and glory in our battered and broken hearts this Advent so we can truly give thanks for the gift of the birth of the Savior.