Today is the 3rd Sunday in Advent. It is also known as Gaudete Sunday, the Latin meaning of Gaudete is rejoice. On the 3rd Sunday of advent the candle that we light on the wreath is pink and the priest may wear rose vestments instead of purple. We have passed the midpoint of Advent and the change in color provides us with encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ. It is also a reminder that along with repentance and preparation, Advent is a time of joy. Our hearts are filled with joy in knowing that God loves us so much that he sent his Son into the world so that we may one day be reunited with Him in heaven. As Christmas approaches and we get distracted by all the things we need to get done, this is a reminder of the real reason for Christmas. The readings for today speak about rejoicing. “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
And while we are to give thanks for all that God has done for us, our rejoicing should be evident in our actions. In today’s first reading we are reminded that we are called, just as Isaiah was called, to “bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61: 1-2) In today’s gospel, we see that John the Baptist “was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.” (John 1:7-8) We are also called to testify to the Light of Christ. As we live out our lives as Christians are we are willing to follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist, the Disciples and all those that have been willing to lay down their lives for Christ? Will we speak the truth even if we are chastised? Will we will reach out to those in need and be the hands and feet of Christ?
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