An Advent wreath is seen with lit candles. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Source & Summit: Third Sunday of Advent
(The faithful) taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the source and summit of the whole Christian life, offer the Divine Victim to God, and themselves along with it.
-The Second Vatican Council fathers in Lumen Gentium, #11
Source & Summit is a feature of The Western Kentucky Catholic online, celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival: Year of Parish Revival. Intended to help Catholics of our parishes to probe the riches of our liturgical year and celebrate the liturgy well, the column will always start with the Bible readings for the Mass of the Day to help us reflect on, and help to “unpack” and expand our experiences at liturgy into the domestic church (the home) and the workplace.
Sunday reflections will be based on the Lord’s Day, the Liturgy, the Eucharist, and, occasionally, community.
Sunday, December 17, 2023:
Third Sunday of Advent
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm
Isaiah 61:1—2a, 10—11
Luke 1:46—50, 53—54
Thessalonians 5:16—24
John 1: 6—8, 19—28
Isaiah testified that, “In my God is the joy of my soul.” Like Isaiah, are we convinced that God is the source of our joy? Our happiness and ability to live life to the fullest requires an intimate relationship with Trinity, which produces light in our lives despite our circumstances.
Much of our Advent preparations are spent decorating our homes, buying gifts for loved ones, planning beautiful family celebrations and longing for the peace of Christ in our families and world. In this Advent season of waiting and preparation to welcome Christ anew, we are busy trying to make things as perfect as possible. Like Isaiah and John the Baptist, let us first reflect on how we can “testify to the light” that has been and will always be the “source of our true joy.” When we reflect on this truth of our faith and rest in God’s holy presence, we can become this holy presence for others. We too can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the broken hearted and testify to the goodness of God’s love and mercy. We cannot be everything for our families, and those in need, but we can testify to the one who is the source and summit of abundant life, Jesus. May you experience a renewed relationship with God this Advent and allow God’s love to flow through you this Christmas season to all those you encounter. Amen!
-Jeff Andrini
To learn more about the Diocese of Owensboro’s celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival, visit https://owensborodiocese.org/eucharistic-revival/.
