Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent. In Christian tradition, this Sunday is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means joy in Latin. We must all be glad and joyful as we await the coming of Christ into the world. He will come to bring us peace and contentment. He will come to restore all things unto him.
With Sunday’s celebration, we are also beginning the second phase of our Advent season which is to prepare ourselves for the commemoration of the coming of the Lord on Christmas Day. The pink candle will be lighted on Sunday symbolizing our eagerness to celebrate Christ’s coming on Christmas and our anticipation for his Second Coming.
The readings in Sunday’s liturgy give us reasons to rejoice. The First Reading taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah (35:1-6,10) foretells the coming of Christ. Isaiah says that with the coming of the Redeemer, “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” (Is. 35: 5-6¬). This will give the people reason to rejoice for at last, the Savior has come to their aid – he has come to rescue them from what enslaves them.
The Second Reading urges us to be patient in waiting for the Lord. (James 5:7-10) There will be sufferings and trials on the way, but when the Lord comes, all of these will end and our sufferings will turn to joy for he comes to comfort us. The Gospel Reading presents to us another important figure as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. He is no less than John the Baptist. In the Gospel, John the Baptist tells us that the one who will come is greater than he. He is Jesus, the one who will bring sight to the blind, recovery to the ill, and good news to the poor. (Matthew 11:2-11)
As we continue our preparations for Christ’s coming, let us not forget that the coming of Christ is good news for us Christians. Therefore, even as we repent from our sins, we must be joyful and glad for the Lord has come and will come again to bring forth goodness, justice, and love. Rejoice!
Peace and Joy,
Susan
No comments:
Post a Comment