A time to REJOICE ~

FRIDAY REFLECTION - THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

December 13, 2024

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." 

— Philippians 4:4

Hello, my dear friends ~

This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday (pronounced gow-DAY-tay)—Rejoice Sunday. 

We're halfway through Advent, and the Church gives us a pink candle and a moment to catch our breath. The brightness of the rose is meant to encourage us—to remind us that joy is coming, even when we're still waiting in the darkness. Gaudete. Rejoice.

Which is a little absurd in the third week of December as a Catholic school principal, right?

You're managing Christmas programs, consoling exhausted teachers, navigating family dynamics, finishing assessments, and trying to remember what "Advent peace" even feels like. And yet—Paul says "rejoice always." Not "rejoice when everything's going well." Not "rejoice when you're rested." Not "rejoice after Christmas break."

Rejoice, always.

So here's this week's question: What's one thing you can genuinely rejoice about this week—even in the chaos?

A student who's finally connecting. A teacher who keeps showing up. A difficult conversation that went better than expected. A moment of prayer that broke through. The fact that you're still here, still trying, still showing up for this mission.

My life is full of uncertainty right now—professionally and personally. Some things I hoped for aren't happening the way I planned. But there's light cracking through: my loved one is getting the help he needs, I'm making progress on building something I believe in, I have my health and people who show up for me. I’m reminded that gaudete—rejoice—doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means choosing to see the light that's breaking through, even when you're still waiting in a lot of darkness. I'm practicing that this Advent and pray that regardless of what is happening in your life, you are seeing the light and rejoicing. 

In the arena with you,

Marie