Today is Gaudete Sunday! We rejoice that our salvation is close at hand.  The first reading describes what the transforming power of God can do.  St. James reminds us that we need to remain patient!  While we do all that we can to prepare for the coming of God’s kingdom, God’s works are accomplished in his own good time.

In today's gospel Jesus instructs the disciples of John the Baptizer to go back and report to John what they have heard and seen.  The blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them.  These are the signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into our world.  Like the disciples of John we need to consider what we have heard and seen.  Where are the signs of the Kingdom in our lives? 

            We can become so caught up in our daily concerns that we do not see the sufferings and difficulties of others.  There is so much to do and so little time that we close off our vision and ignore what is going on around us.  Lord Jesus, come into our lives and enable us to overcome our blindness.

            Our problems can appear so overwhelming that many of us are reduced to depression.  We become paralyzed, unable to break out of routinely unsuccessful patterns.  Lord Jesus, raise us to new life. Help us to understand the importance of taking care of ourselves, so that we can help take care of each other.

            We hear the holiday songs and greetings of the seasons so often that we become immunized to Advent and Christmas.  The demands of the season leave us with little time or quiet to ponder its real meaning.  Lord Jesus, preach the good news to us this Advent.  Help us to realize that no matter how many things we possess, without you we are poor.