Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Today we light the pink, or rose, candle on the Advent wreath. It is called Gaudete Sunday because of the opening antiphon of the Introit Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always). The opening words of the second reading from 1 Thessalonians are these, “Rejoice always.”
In today’s first reading from Isaiah 61 we read: “I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul.”
Rejoice (gaudete) is a theme in today’s readings. We see the word in the first reading and the second reading. Rejoicing needs to be more than just something we do when something good happens to us. Rejoicing needs to be a way of life. Not just now and again, but, as St. Paul says, “Rejoice ALWAYS!”
Father, make us each day a people of rejoicing. Help us to see Your will being carried out in our lives. Amen.
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