Gaudete Sunday
Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is Latin meaning "rejoice". It marks a moment of joy and hope during our preparation for Christmas.
In the first reading this weekend the prophet Isaiah proclaims that the dry earth of the desert will bloom with abundant flowers, and the glory of Lebanon will be given. Lebanon was known for its rich cedar forests compared to the barren hills around Jerusalem,. Isaiah uses this image to foreshadow the creation of a “new heaven and earth,” the restoration of creation to God’s original intent. This is a great image for Advent, as we prepare for heaven to literally come to earth.
Each of us is a work in progress. Sometimes our spiritual growth feels painfully slow, we may feel we are barely making progress; sometimes it seems we are going backwards. We might feel like we are not growing in beauty and holiness instead thorns and thistles are growing everywhere in our lives.
The words of the prophet Isaiah’s are practical: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. We must wait with hope, enduring our setbacks with faithfulness and patience.
In the second reading, St. James offers us encouragement: Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ tells the disciples of John the Baptist: Go and tell John what you hear and see. the blind see, the deaf hear and the lame walk, just as Isaiah predicted. Jesus’ actions speak for themselves. John the Baptist need not look for another, for God has arrived in human flesh, bringing the kingdom of God with him.
Jesus assures the crowd he is the one who is to come. Jesus rejoices in John’s mission of preparing the way for God’s only Son. Jesus says there is no one greater than John and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
We are called to show the love and compassion of Jesus. Our words and actions must reflect the kingdom of God, bringing hope, healing, and Good News to those around us. Whether through acts of kindness, helping the poor, or offering encouragement, we must act as God’s presence in the world.
Jesus’ actions continue to inspire and challenge us. If our lives speak of the transformative power of God, then we announce that the kingdom of God is present and active, bringing light to the darkness, hope to those who despair, and love to all.
Let us rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday in what Jesus has done for us. Let us prepare our hearts for his coming and for his kingdom.
Deacon Mike