3rd Sunday Of Advent 2012
Gaudete Sunday
The use of sacramentals is so ancient a practice that it can be traced back to Our Lord Himself.  Blessings and blessed objects of devotion were used by Christ and His Apostles, and these conduits of grace are offered to us to help bring us closer to God.  We are composed of body and soul and God uses both material and spiritual means for our sanctification.

Integrity, control of the soul over the body, was lost with the fall of Adam.  If a person had knowledge of all things in this world and had great power and authority, these gifts are as nothing compared to the smallest degree of Sanctifying Grace.  When we have God’s life in us, we have God Himself.  We must be prepared to be judged at all times.  This Sunday is given to us so we may know that the Lord is near.
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