On the Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

“Shout for joy, daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exalt with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem” (Zephaniah 3:14). It’s fitting that the readings for this Sunday, known in the Church as Gaudete Sunday, should touch on the theme of joy. 

Gaudete is Latin for “rejoice.” Similar to Laetare Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of Lent, Gaudete Sunday serves as a reminder for us, the faithful, of the true nature of the events we are about to be commemorating; these being Christmas and Easter, respectively. 

While the secular world may be far from viewing the build-up to Christmas as an appropriate time for reflection and penance (rather for the polar opposites of these things), the Church has always seen it this way. 

To use a common metaphor, why wouldn’t we take the trouble to make our homes as clean and inviting as possible for a guest, especially if the guest were to be Christ, Himself? 

But, lest we become overwhelmed by the drudgery of housekeeping tasks, and even begin to perceive the looked-for occasion as bringing undue burden upon ourselves, it is vital that we pause, take a breath (or many), and remind ourselves of the joy that is sure to come.

After all, we’re never meant to have anxiety in matters of faith; as St. Paul urges the Philippians in the second reading: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:6). 

This time of year is an unfortunate source of anxiety for many people.

Whether it be due to the stress of buying presents, or the stress of uncomfortable family situations, anxiety frequently makes an appearance around Advent. 

So, why wouldn’t we wear rose this week? Why wouldn’t we make it a point to re-emphasize the unimaginable joy that is inherent in the celebration of Christmas, where God becomes incarnate for our sake? 

This reality alone should be enough to outweigh whatever cares and worries we might find ourselves assailed by this season, in the end. 

We should indeed rejoice this week, for not so long from now, we will be, in the words of St. John the Baptist, baptized “with the Holy Spirit and Fire” (Luke 3:16). 

REFLECT ON THIS: 

• What are some ways you could remind yourself not to let anxiety distract you?
• When will you carve out time to pause, reflect on His coming, and rejoice for the joy to come?

Find more Advent Reflections here. 

Walker Price is an award-winning columnist for the North Texas Catholic and a lifelong resident of the Fort Worth area; he attended St. Andrew Catholic School and Nolan Catholic High School. He has a passion for reading, writing, and nature. Find more of his columns for the North Texas Catholic here.