"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say 'Rejoice'! The Lord is near." These words, from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, set the tone for this day. We are invited to rejoice in hope as we contemplate both the Lord's coming at the end of time, as well as his very presence among us even now. Even in the midst of sorrow and trials of all kinds, we should rejoice. The Lord is near.
