A Sunday Thought About Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium and Advent
Pope Francis' Evangellii Gaudium has caused quite a stir in some circles because it seems to criticize capitalism and free markets. Between the rejoicings (some "liberal" Catholics) and the gnashing of teeth (some "conservative" Catholics) lies the truth. I don't know who's right (perhaps neither side?), so I'll leave it to others to sort things out. But I do know that any message that reminds us of the many who live in want and poverty - whether material or spiritual - needs to be heard, most especially during the holy Season of Advent.
In that spirit, this being the first Sunday of Advent (and, of course, the first day of the new Liturgical Year), let's kick things off with this passage from Isaiah, interpreted by George Frederick Handel in his magnificent Messiah: "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted." When it comes to messages, you can't beat Isaiah and the profound insight he brings us as we prepare during Advent to, among other things, recall the greatest event in world history: the Incarnation. The birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ changed everything forever. Don't ever forget this. (Oh, and how perfect that this year, the first day of Advent, the first day of the Liturgical Year, begins on the first day of December.)
I picked this version of the initial aria from Messiah for its brief introduction, which somewhat captures how this remarkable piece communicates this total change brought to this weary world by Our Lord's birth.
And, as we've brought to your attention many times in past Advents, here's our favorite aspiration to say each day - perhaps many times each day, as we look forward to Christmas
Now for the music that I hope sparks the spirit of renewal, if somehow lacking, that Advent brings to all of us.
In that spirit, this being the first Sunday of Advent (and, of course, the first day of the new Liturgical Year), let's kick things off with this passage from Isaiah, interpreted by George Frederick Handel in his magnificent Messiah: "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted." When it comes to messages, you can't beat Isaiah and the profound insight he brings us as we prepare during Advent to, among other things, recall the greatest event in world history: the Incarnation. The birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ changed everything forever. Don't ever forget this. (Oh, and how perfect that this year, the first day of Advent, the first day of the Liturgical Year, begins on the first day of December.)
I picked this version of the initial aria from Messiah for its brief introduction, which somewhat captures how this remarkable piece communicates this total change brought to this weary world by Our Lord's birth.
And, as we've brought to your attention many times in past Advents, here's our favorite aspiration to say each day - perhaps many times each day, as we look forward to Christmas
Divine Infant of Bethlehem, come and take birth in our hearts.
Comments