The 3rd Sunday of Advent is nicknamed “Gaudete Sunday”. From the Latin imperative meaning “rejoice!”, this is the first word of today’s Entrance Antiphon from the Roman Missal.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5).
Saint Paul give us the reason for our happiness: our blessed Lord is at hand. Indeed, God draws nearer to us every day. As we have heard proclaimed in Sacred Scripture, it is the nearness of God which causes Mary to rejoice. So, too, does the nearness of God elicits joy from John the Baptist.
To find the Lord Jesus and to remain in His company brings for a deep joy that is new every day. Attempting to discover happiness along paths leading away from God leads to disappointment, frustration and misery.
- In the first week of Advent, we implored Almighty God to give us sufficient so to prepare well for Christmas.
- In the second week of Advent, we asked for divine assistance in facing the obstacles the world raises against us.
- Today we cast a glance upon the human horizon where the light of Jesus’ Nativity sets to be seen in all its splendor.
Christmas is coming. God wants us to be joyful. Rejoice!
