Today, the 3rd Sunday in Advent, is known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice.” While I love that the Church chooses to focus on joy for a week to break up the solemn season of repentance we’ve been living, I can’t help but struggle with the concept.
How and why am I supposed to be joyful during this time, when I often remind myself, it is still Advent! Aren’t we supposed to continue living in a spirit of repentance, fasting, and penance? How can both of these realities exist in the same season?
Upon reflecting on today’s readings, I think I’ve found what the Church in her wisdom is getting at.
In this season of Advent, we’re asked by the Church to examine our lives, to see how great our need is for repentance. To see ourselves as we are and see that, like it says in the first reading, we are feeble, weak, and frightened (Isaiah 35:3). And to come to the realization that we desperately need the Lord.
This solemn season reminds us that every day the words on our lips should be as today’s Psalm sings, “Lord, come and save us.” And how often they are! For me, I do not have to look very hard to see all the areas in my life that I need the Lord and his mercy.
Yet, what does this have to do with joy?
Everything.
Why? Because, as we find in the second reading, “the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Jesus is coming! Jesus, which literally means, “God saves,” has come down to earth and is about to be born. This changes everything because Jesus is the one, and actually the only one, who can make this sorrow and sadness flee.
We can only let God in our lives as Savior if we first come to know deeply our need for saving. And once we do, what incredible joy is able to arise in our hearts. The joy of knowing that in my misery, Christ comes. That He comes to save me. In all my mess, all my weakness, all my fears…He chooses over and over to be the one to save me.
Might we ask the question to Jesus that John the Baptist asks Him so honestly and sincerely in today’s Gospel: “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus, are you really the one who is to come and save me from my misery?
Let us take the time to ask Jesus this question today and hear the quiet and faithful voice of the Lord saying “I am” with all His heart. I pray that the Lord’s answer would settle in our hearts and cause a wellspring of joy to arise this day so that we might truly rejoice amidst this solemn season.
Happy Gaudete Sunday, friends!
Meet the Author
Jill Kube is the Production Manager at The Catholic Woodworker. She loves being able to serve behind the scenes to bring products to life that draw so many people to Jesus. In her free time she enjoys doing all things crafty—from baking and cooking, to making stained glass and cross stitching.
Featured Team Favorites: Jill’s Pick
The Zealous Defender of Christ Rosary has been my favorite for a while now! This rosary is just so beautiful. I love how soft and smooth the ebony beads are, the rich green and red colors in the cord, and of course, the St. Joseph centerpiece is simply stunning. It is so unique and is a joy to pray with!
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