The message comes loud and clear today - rejoice! But, we might ask,
how can we rejoice? The baggage of our fears may weigh us down. Life's
tragedies and crises may grip our hearts. We feel smothered by the
burdens of daily living. Yet the call today is to rejoice.
Lift up your eyes to Jerusalem - the new Jerusalem, the Church, and
find there the Lord's peace, flowing like a river. Find there the comfort
of a mother for her child. There you will be nourished through the
Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Sing out with thanksgiving for all God has done for you. In the midst
of pain, sing to God's name, praise Him - He is never deaf to our
prayers.
Boast in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, for in this Cross we are
made new creatures; there we find mercy. Rejoice because your names are
written in heaven.
Look at your life. In the shadows, in the midst of sadness can you see
those little rays of light streaming from God who loves you? Thank Him,
praise Him, sing to Him.
O Lord, never let me feel so crushed by my anxieties that I cannot see
Your light shining through the darkness - and let my heart rejoice and
sing to You.