Preparing the Way for Christ: An Advent Series (IV)

Every third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, meaning, Rejoicing Sunday.

This Sunday is regarded “Gaudete in Domino Semper,” that is, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul affirmed this theme in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and in Philippians 4:4. We see this image in the first reading: the wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom. This theme refers to the anticipatory joy that the event of the incarnation would bring to the entire world at Christmas.

At any point in our life, life can give us some reasons to be happy and some reasons to be sad. If we consider all the evils going on around us, we may end up sad, angry, depressed, and afraid. This is the reason why we should rejoice because our Savior is close at hand. The Lord is with us. He is coming for our vindication and restoration.

Isaiah said to the people of God who were dispirited, “Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance… For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” At this time the exiles had given up, but God shows himself as one who has the poor of his people at heart. Through Isaiah, God brings the good news of their return, assuring the people of his saving power.

What does this mean for us? That our situation can still change. God is calling on us to rejoice not just because of our blessings, but because God is faithful. Rejoice that you serve a God for whom nothing is too difficult.

James reiterates the necessity for us to remain steadfast while awaiting the Lord’s arrival. The community of James were poor believers who had become fearful, frustrated, and anxious. James encourages them to look to the definitive advent of the Lord who saves, to remain patiently committed, and to know that God is already with them turning things around for their good.

John has spoken eloquently about Jesus as the coming Messiah, but what he hears about Jesus’s ministry possibly does not seem in tandem with his expectations. So the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus. The response he receives settles the question of who Jesus is and what he does. John’s faith did not fail; rather, it got strengthened and confirmed. When the storm of Herod raged on, John was still strong.

The essence of today’s celebration is to look beyond everything around us, those troubles that wear us down. The Church is saying today: put on your dancing shoes and start counting your blessings. That is why this third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Happiness is not simply what you get when all our problems are over; it is what we choose regardless of our problems. Our prayers may look unanswered, but that does not mean God is weak or unconcerned. We must learn to be patient and wait upon God.

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Fr. Moses Iyogwoya is a priest of the Diocese of Austin, and serves as pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mexia, Texas.