There is nothing more beautiful than to be at the bedside of a faith filled Christian in the midst of dying. The presence of God fills the room. In the suffocating sorrow and tears that comes with death, a tangible hope pierces the darkness like a blaze of sunlight. The cause of our joy is not merely positive thinking or happy thoughts. Rather, the Christian who mourns in faith is rooted in the promise of Jesus Christ: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.“ (Cf. John 14:1). When I hear these comforting words of Jesus, I immediately think of one of our parishioners who passed from cancer nearly a year ago. My phone rang at 6am in the morning, waking me from sleep. “Father, she doesn’t have much time… can you come over?” said the voice on the other end. To my surprise, the room was already filled when I arrived with other faithful parishioners, the spouse, and the adult children. We began the ancient prayers of the Last Rites, the same prayers that you and I will hear when our own time comes, if we’re so gifted the opportunity to call a priest. 

In the eyes of the world, this moment has no meaning other than the loud thud of a life now snuffed. Not us Christians. Death does not have the final word. Jesus Christ has conquered death through the cross and is risen from the dead. We share in this victory through our baptism. That is why on this Third Sunday of holy Advent, the colors have shifted from penitential purple to glorious rose. This day we call Gaudate Sunday, in Latin, it means “Rejoice!” 

We all bear heavy crosses in our personal lives from past traumas, broken relationships, illness and just plain human cruelty. In fact, even in the Church itself, we face tremendous challenges all around us, inflicted by some of her members entrusted with her care. The storms are daunting and relentless. It is during these times, we need to remember our hope is founded only on the words of Jesus Christ. He promised to be with us forever, until the end of time. Reread the Second Reading again from St. Paul that we have at Mass this Sunday: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.“ (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “In all circumstances” he tells us; not only when times are happy. We must rejoice even when everything seems to be crashing down on our heads. Our joy, our hope, is built on Jesus Christ. Nothing more; nothing less.