The Third Sunday of Advent, formerly known as Gaudete Sunday or the Sunday of Rejoicing, comes from the first word of the Introit at Mass according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. (Gaudete means Rejoice!) Today is the Sunday of Rejoicing⎯we are halfway through the season of Advent! The Church does not just invite us to adore “The Lord who is to come” but calls upon the faithful to worship and hail with joy ‘The Lord who is now nigh and close at hand’.
In the reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah we hear: “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…He will renew you in his love…” Now, this is a reason to sing and be joyful!
Today we rejoice because the Lord is near. We are reminded that this nearness means we have to change our behavior. We hear St. Paul today encourage us to rejoice in the Lord always⎯what great advice! His message is one of comfort and inspiration and good catechesis. This ‘instruction’ continues in the Gospel with John the Baptist’s advice to his followers about conduct and choices: stop collecting more than your share, no extortion, and no false accusation (politicians, read this!) John says all flesh will see the salvation of the Lord; look to Jesus as your savior! John preaches justice and generosity.
We prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus: at this Christmas and finally, in glory. Rejoice, rejoice!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
In the reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah we hear: “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…He will renew you in his love…” Now, this is a reason to sing and be joyful!
Today we rejoice because the Lord is near. We are reminded that this nearness means we have to change our behavior. We hear St. Paul today encourage us to rejoice in the Lord always⎯what great advice! His message is one of comfort and inspiration and good catechesis. This ‘instruction’ continues in the Gospel with John the Baptist’s advice to his followers about conduct and choices: stop collecting more than your share, no extortion, and no false accusation (politicians, read this!) John says all flesh will see the salvation of the Lord; look to Jesus as your savior! John preaches justice and generosity.
We prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus: at this Christmas and finally, in glory. Rejoice, rejoice!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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