Learn more about Guadete Sunday: http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=5019
Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121717.cfm
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.
If you do this, you will have great peace and joy. This is what Advent is all about. The Lord loves you as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there. He wants you to grow, He wants you to become perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect. If you place yourself in the Lord’s hands, you will attain that perfection.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I place my heart, mind, soul and body under your protection. I beg your help, Lord, to attain the perfection you want for me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
My soul rejoices in my God.
The O Antiphons start today – The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
The Catholic Cat 
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