Balally Parish

For the day that’s in it;

Gaudete (English: /ˈɡaʊdeɪteɪ/ GOW-day-tay, Ecclesiastical Latin: [ɡau̯ˈdete]; “rejoice [ye]” in Latin)[a] is a sacred Christmas carol, thought to have been composed in the 16th century. It was published in Piae Cantiones, a collection of Finnish/Swedish sacred songs published in 1581. No music is given for the verses, but the standard tune comes from older liturgical books.

The Latin text is a typical medieval song of praise, which follows the standard pattern for the time – a uniform series of four-line stanzas, each preceded by a two-line refrain (in the early English carol this was known as the burden). Carols could be on any subject, but typically they were about the Virgin Mary, the Saints or Yuletide themes.

The complete text of “Gaudete“, including the refrain:

Gaudete by Collegium Vocale Bydgoszcz

By courtesy of Wikipedia;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudete

Matthew 11.16-19   Jesus contrasts peoples’ attitude to John the Baptist and attitude to himself.

Many spiritually dead people walk our streets today. We pray that the Christmas child may rekindle their spiritual life.

A great monastery had diminished. A Rabbi used a cell, close by the monastery, his presence was detected by the monks. The Abbott seeked out his advice. People had lost faith in God; what were they to do? His advice: the Messiah is one of the monks.  The monks behaviour towards each other changed; one of extraordinary respect. People came for quiet picnics on the grounds. The new atmosphere of respect was detected by them. It was compelling. More people came. Some wanted to join the order. Soon, the monastery was thriving again, a beacon of Peace, Love and Hope.

Jesus, the Messiah is in each and every one of us, through our baptism. We now prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, in the midst of this pandemic. We must slow down, be patient. Advent will bring us closer to God, bring us to a fuller union with God. God wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. May his spirit grow within each of us this Advent.

Feast of St. Fergal / Virgilius from Co. Meath who became Bishop of Salzburg, Austria (c. 774)

Brendan gave us a beautiful reflection on how we should remember those that have died, at the end of today’s Eucharist. Hear his reflection once more and bring your loved ones closer to your heart and the heart of Jesus;

“Everyone loves to be remembered.

But if we want to be remembered, we have a duty to remember others.

Memory is a powerful thing.

To remember is to ‘make alive’, again.

Their influence is still felt, among us.

There is nothing stronger or more helpful than a good remembrance.

In the Eucharist we remember all of our dead as alive in Christ,

We remember the kindness, generousity and Love with deep gratitude in this liturgy,

Their memory brings Life and Hope to us, today,

They also assure us of life to come.

That gift of New Life that Christ came on earth to offer each one of us

That gift of Eternal Communion, which is celebrated and anticipated in this Eucharist.”

Amen.

We are a ‘Christ-Centred’ people. We remember the tweleve members of the Noamh Olaf’s GAA club who died in the past year. This club is a beacon of Hope for all, particularly young people; it has a strong ethic of support and care for people.