In the midst of Advent’s quiet waiting, the Church pauses today and says something unexpected: Rejoice.
The Third Sunday of Advent—known as Gaudete Sunday—takes its name from the opening words of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. The Lord is near.” These words ring out like a bell in the stillness, reminding us that Christian hope is not merely endurance, but joy rooted in nearness.
This joy does not deny the weight of the world. Advent acknowledges darkness honestly. We wait because something is missing. We long because the world is wounded. And yet, Gaudete Sunday tells us that joy is not postponed until everything is fixed. It is possible now—because God is already at work.
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The rose candle lit today, and the rose vestments worn at Mass, signal this subtle shift. We are still waiting, but the waiting has changed. The night is real, yet dawn is visible on the horizon.
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist stands as a voice of clarity and urgency. Crowds come to him with a simple question: What should we do? His answers are equally simple—share what you have, act justly, be honest, be merciful. Joy, John teaches, is not found in escape or excess, but in conversion of heart.
True Christian joy is never shallow. It is not a denial of suffering or a forced cheerfulness. It is the quiet confidence that God has drawn near—and that this nearness changes how we live. Joy grows when we stop grasping and start giving. When we stop waiting for perfect circumstances and begin loving where we are.
Advent joy is born of humility. It recognizes that we cannot save ourselves. Like the people who approached John, we come with empty hands, asking to be shown the way. And God responds—not with condemnation, but with presence.
As Christmas approaches, the world around us grows louder and more hurried. Gaudete Sunday invites us to slow down just enough to notice what is already happening: grace unfolding quietly, hearts softening, light breaking through.
The Lord is near—not only in time, but in this moment. Near in our struggles. Near in our longing. Near in our imperfect preparations.
So today, the Church says to us: rejoice. Not because everything is finished—but because God has come close, and He will not turn back.
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