Dear Friends in Christ,
The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday (pronounced Gau-day-tay), meaning the
Sunday of Rejoicing. On this Sunday, we rejoice because of the nearness of the birth of Christ and the vestments used at Mass and the candle used on the Advent wreath are rose colored, reflecting the festive and joyous mood.
As Christmas draws near, we reflect upon the good news that Jesus brings to our lives. What would it be like if we lived without ever having faith? How would it be different for us if we never prayed, came to Mass or received the Sacraments? What are the benefits of having faith and knowing Christ? On Gaudete Sunday, we consider these important questions.
In the gospel, St. John The Baptist gives testimony to Christ after representatives from the Jerusalem Temple visit him. John’s ministry has attracted the attention of many in Jewish society and, for this reason, it has aroused the concern of the religious leaders. They want to know what is really happening and who St. John is.
We can learn from St. John’s testimony to the Lord. First, John acknowledges, in humility, that people must focus in faith on Christ, not himself. The humility of St. John is characteristic of the saints. The saints recognize that they are not God and that they are utterly dependent on Him for everything. Secondly, St. John reminds us that Advent is about preparing the way of the Lord in our hearts. He inspires us to seek sacramental grace so that God may take away any roadblocks our sin has put up to God in our lives. Thirdly, in the gospel when St. John states “there is one among you whom you do not recognize,” these words invite us to prayerfully reflect upon Christ’s
presence in the people and events of our ordinary lives. Have we grown in our ability to see and respond to the Lord in charity this Advent.
On Gaudete Sunday, let us rejoice in the goodness of God shown to us through Christ His Son.
In Christ,
Fr. Michael