These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Sunday, Advent III, Gaudete

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:  rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm
In the midst of Advent waiting, the liturgy invites us to rejoice because the Lord is near. In many countries the Novena for Christmas or Las Posadas are about to begin. Everyone is making final preparations for the great feast. Saint Paul has some good suggestions for us in these final days of Advent: Be kind, Don’t be anxious, Pray and ask for what you need, and Give thanks.