But today is Gaudete Sunday--you know, the pink candle. It's a celebration in the middle of a penitential season of waiting. Why are you bringing up all this sadness in the middle of what should be a joyful occasion?
Well, here's the thing: our generation (and it's happened in every generation, it's just very public now thanks to the interweb) likes to take things that people celebrate, and they like to look at the dark side of it. Or, more often, they like to question why you aren't doing more. Why aren't you donating more? Why aren't you taking more action? Why are you looking at this charity or this service instead of this one? What are you? A biggot? A hypocrite? How can you be happy when there is so much suffering in the world?
And on, and on...
The thing we have to remember is that there is still something to celebrate. In fact, there's lots of celebrate. Because, despite all the tragedies of the world, the fact that people are able, anywhere, to be happy, is in and of itself a celebration-worthy occasion. The fact that people who have a lot are giving of themselves to those who don't have as much is inspiring. We shouldn't be angry at them because they're not just as in-need as everyone else. We should be looking around in our own lives to see if we could be doing the same thing to those who don't have as much as we do. And when we're able to give of ourselves and get that warm, cuddly feeling of having helped someone, even in the smallest of ways, we should celebrate.
Don't let anyone take that from you.
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.'"
Luke 2:10-11
Much love, and we'll see you next year!
Ceci Galvin
CYM, St. John the Evangelist
