[Greek] χαίρω (chairō), [Latin] habere (havere), [Latin] guadere, [Latin] salus, [French] avoir, [German] heil, [German] gesundheit: to rejoice, to be happy, to be well-off, to be glad, to hail, to give a greeting, to favor, to say hello; 77 scriptures
Ave (Have) means “Hail!”: a first century welcome mat in front of a house in Pompeii
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to rejoice, to be merry, and to greet. In Classical Greek the expression “go and rejoice” means to wish someone well upon his departure. This action expresses a feeling of gratitude to others. This reciprocal relationship can occur between man and with the gods. Men show gratitude to the gods for the good things (grace and favor) they have received. In other words, one who receives charis (favor), will then express charis (favor) toward others. This expression of favor toward others becomes a common mode of greeting among Greeks.
Old Testament: This term means to rejoice, to be glad, and to take pleasure. This term, linked to 10 related Hebrew terms, takes on over 80 many nuanced meanings. One common meaning refers to “shalom”, meaning to be happy. Interestingly, the paradoxical thought of rejoicing (joy) in suffering was first developed in Judaism (2 Macc.6:30). This theme again occurs in 1 Pet. and James in the New Testament.
New Testament:
Greeting others: The classical Greek method of greeting others is found in several situations in the New Testament. This is illustrated by an expression of good wishes upon encountering that person. In addition, Christianity adds elements of peace, love and mercy in this greeting. The angel Gabriel’s encounter with Mary adds another dimension to this context. Instead of calling Mary by her name, Gabriel calls her “full of grace.” The angel essentially gives a new name (title) for Mary. Luke uses the Greek kecharitomene (highly favored), which is the perfect passive participle of charitoo (to endow with grace). This indicates a continual endowing of grace. When God gives new names (titles) to someone, it means that God has important plans for you. Abram (Abraham), Sarai (Sarah), Jacob (Israel), and Simon (Peter) are other such examples.
Paul’s letters: Rejoicing is involved with his work as an apostle. This term is found as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, in fellowship, in the kingdom of God, and in suffering. Joy is an essential factor in the relation between apostle and community. Rejoicing is found both in the present and in eschatological sense. The paradox of joy in suffering comes from the antagonism and persecution the Christians face in the world.
James and 1 Peter: James 1:2, in the tradition of Jewish Wisdom, was written to the twelve tribes in the Diaspora. This scripture passage considers it a joy when one encounters various trials. Unjust suffering even becomes a grace and a blessing. The linking of rejoicing and suffering becomes an established tradition in the New Testament era, in light of the sufferings of Jesus.
John’s Gospel: The time of rejoicing is present with Jesus. Rejoicing and fulfillment are related to the person of Jesus. Throughout his gospel, John points to the many examples of rejoicing. Rejoicing cannot be lost and obtains the ultimate victory despite the hatred of the world.
Scripture:
“And coming to Mary, the angel Gabriel said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’” Lk.1:28
God gives Mary a new name (title). The angel greets Mary with good news that God has important plans for her. This event is much more than a greeting
“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.” Jas.1:2
This scripture passage relates the paradoxical idea that joy (rejoicing) can be found in suffering. Blessings somehow will come to that person.
Etymology: The Latin verb habere (havere or avere) means to hold, to have, to consider, and to regard. The Latin verb avere, focusing on performance, means to be well or to fare well. The related Latin verb salvere, focusing on health, means to be in good health. Salve, similar to ave, was considered a commoner’s greeting. The related French greeting salut means hi. From this we get salute and salutations.
Gaudete Sunday: This is the third Sunday in Advent. The Latin word gaudete means rejoice.
Conclusion:
Charism, charisma, Ave, Gaudete, have, habitation, habit, salvation, salutation, gesundheit, heil, avoir
“Ave” was a common Roman military greeting and salute. One can easily imagine soldiers coming to attention saying, “Ave, Proconsol!” or “Ave, Caesar!”
The Latin form of Eve is Eva. Perhaps, it’s not a coincidence that Ave is Eva spelled backwards. Paraphrasing St. Irenaeus, Mary’s obedience unties the knot of Eve’s disobedience. So, in a sense, Mary also welcomed the Holy Spirit. It is significant to note that the perfection of grace bestowed on Mary comes not from just personal opinions but from the original Greek scripture itself.
Perhaps not all of us are familiar with James 1:2. For many this scripture passage can be very difficult to comprehend (being joyful while suffering?). I can also relate to this too. (Lord, why do I have to keep going through these struggles!!!!) This just doesn’t make sense! Maybe James 1:2 can help shed some light on those times when bad things happen to good people. It is a mystery why would God would allow these things to happen to us. Maybe these could be blessings in disguise. Perhaps God may be calling you to be a saint. But often our reply is, “But I don’t want be a saint!” The fruits of unjust suffering can potentially lead to sainthood. From these difficult times and events, we see how many people have helped others in need. Perhaps, it is fitting that we celebrate Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday on the third Sunday of Advent.
Semper Gaudete! (Always rejoice!)
Salve! (be in good health!)