Today is referred to as “Gaudete Sunday.” The name comes from the opening antiphon for the Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!” This antiphon is taken from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.
Saint Paul encourages us to find joy in our relationship with the Lord. Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose to rejoice in God's goodness and the salvation we have received through Christ. This passage reminds us to cultivate a joyful spirit in all situations.
On Gaudete Sunday, we light the rose candle in the Advent Wreath, and the priest wears rose vestments. During the season of Advent, we’ve been focusing on vigilance and preparation for the Lord’s return. Today, we are reminded to rejoice while we wait, for the Lord is near.
Our first reading this weekend from the Prophet Zephaniah speaks of the Lord’s coming. He says, “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.” We are reminded that Jesus has saved us and is coming to save us.
Yet, rather than rejoice, many people are burdened with fears, worry, and anxiety. The reasons are many and varied, from worries about the state of the world and our country to concerns about family, children, parents, work, finances, and the economy.
When fear, disquiet, and anxiety consume us, the darkness of despair seeks to rob us of our joy and hope. Yet, if we focus upon Jesus, such darkness can never defeat our joy, faith, and hope in the Lord. As St. Paul writes, “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. ”
On this Gaudete Sunday, let us be the people of joy we are called to be. As St. John Paul II wrote, “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” He reminds us that gratitude is essential to finding joy in life. We can find true joy even in difficult times by being grateful for what we have and recognizing the many blessings bestowed upon us.
St. Teresa of Avila, the 16th-century Spanish mystic, wrote, “The Lord walks among the pots and pans.” Her saintly wisdom reminds us that joy is found even in the most mundane tasks of daily life. She encourages us to find joy in all aspects of our lives, not just the more exciting and pleasurable parts.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote: “The world promises us pleasure, but it is only in Jesus that we find joy.” This reminds us that true and lasting joy is only found in our relationship with Jesus. No amount of worldly pleasures or riches can bring us the true joy that only comes from a deep, abiding, and meaningful relationship with our Lord.
St. Augustine wrote, “Joy is the net of love by which you can catch souls.” He encourages us to spread our Christian joy as it is a powerful tool for bringing people together and building a faith community. It serves as a reminder that joy should be shared, not hoarded.
This Gaudete Sunday is also a reminder that the Season of Advent is moving quickly. Next Sunday is the Fourth and final Sunday of Advent. But what about us? Half of Advent is already gone! Has it passed us by? Are we more focused on Christ at Christmas? Have we made any spiritual progress?
For we are the innkeepers of our souls, and as Advent ends and Christmas arrives, are we better prepared to greet the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day? Have we made room in our inn for Jesus? Is the inn of our souls ready to welcome Christ on Christmas and when he comes again? Have we given more time for quiet reflection and prayer? Have we been more patient, generous, and charitable? Have we faithfully attended Mass on Sundays? Have we made a good Confession?
Please take note of our OLM Christmas Schedule. On December 23, the Monday before Christmas, two hours of Confessions with four priests available from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. On Christmas, there are four Masses at OLM: a 4:00 pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at Midnight, and on Christmas Day, there are Masses at 7:30 am and 10:30 am. There is no 9:00 am Mass on Christmas Day.
Be well. Do good. God Bless. Happy Gaudete Sunday! The Lord is near! “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!”