The Third
Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is
the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is
the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass. We light a pink/rose
candle instead of a purple candle today as a joyful reminder that our salvation
is near. The readings focus on joy, hope, and the signs of God's coming.
This week's
Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of
John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the
coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist,
now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and
Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.
Though the
holiday season may tempt us to revel in the fleeting kinds of joy, the season
of Advent calls us to work on the kind of joy that is longer lasting and much
more meaningful and flows from gratuitous love. Let us live in the hope of this
season amidst the darkness that surrounds us.