As we journey through the season of Advent, the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite us to reflect on themes of preparation, hope, and the transformative power of God's presence. This Sunday, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, both in the celebration of Christmas and in His eventual return.
What is Advent?
We are now in the holy season of Advent where we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time. It is a spiritual period to meditate on these two mysteries and prepare for them. We use the wreath and 4 candles to mark the 4 weeks before Christmas.
Three of the candles are purple and one is rose or pink. The purple symbolizes preparation through penance and prayer. Purple is also used during Lent. Another way to see it is purple is a physical sign of healing. When we get hurt, the injury becomes purple. During the time of healing, it remains purple until it clears up. Sin hurts us and we need time to heal from it by using the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, Prayer, Fasting, Indulgences, and genuine Spiritual life.
The rose/pink is for the third Sunday or Gaudete Sunday which means "Sunday of Joy." We are joyous because we are getting closer to Christ's birth. As each week goes on, we light the candle that corresponds to that week. We at Sacerdotus now offer masks and shirts with the Advent wreath. See the end of this post for the link.
Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, is a special day in the liturgical calendar that invites us to rejoice as we anticipate the coming of Christ. The word "Gaudete" is Latin for "rejoice," and this theme of joy permeates the readings and liturgy of the day. As we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy that comes from knowing that the Lord is near. This reflection explores the readings for Gaudete Sunday and their significance for our spiritual journey.
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
The first reading from the Book of Zephaniah is a powerful proclamation of joy and hope:
"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals."
Zephaniah's prophecy is a message of consolation and joy for the people of Israel. It assures them that God is in their midst, bringing salvation and renewal. This reading encourages us to rejoice because God is with us, removing our fears and filling our hearts with gladness. It is a reminder that our joy is rooted in the presence of the Lord, who loves us and rejoices over us.
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
The responsorial psalm, taken from the Book of Isaiah, echoes the theme of joy and trust in God's salvation:
"Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!"
This psalm invites us to express our joy and gratitude for God's saving presence. It calls us to trust in the Lord, who is our strength and salvation. The imagery of drawing water from the fountain of salvation reminds us of the life-giving grace that God offers us. As we sing praises and proclaim God's deeds, we participate in the joyful celebration of His love and mercy.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always:
"Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Paul's message is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from living in the presence of the Lord. He encourages us to let go of anxiety and to trust in God's providence. By turning to God in prayer and thanksgiving, we open ourselves to the peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to live with joy and confidence in God's love.
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
The Gospel reading from Luke presents the preaching of John the Baptist, who calls the people to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah:
"The crowds asked John the Baptist, 'What should we do?' He said to them in reply, 'Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.' Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, 'Teacher, what should we do?' He answered them, 'Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.' Soldiers also asked him, 'And what is it that we should do?' He told them, 'Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.' Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, 'I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.' Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people."
John the Baptist's call to repentance is a central theme of Advent. He urges the people to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah by living lives of justice, generosity, and integrity. John's message is one of hope and anticipation, as he points to the one who is to come, Jesus Christ, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Reflection
Gaudete Sunday is a moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of Advent. The readings for this Sunday invite us to rejoice in the Lord, who is near and who brings salvation. Zephaniah's prophecy assures us of God's presence and love, while the psalm calls us to trust in God's saving power. St. Paul's exhortation to rejoice and pray with thanksgiving reminds us of the peace that comes from living in God's presence. Finally, John the Baptist's call to repentance challenges us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
As we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, let us embrace the joy and hope of Gaudete Sunday. May we open our hearts to the Lord's presence, trusting in His love and mercy. Let us prepare the way for Christ by living lives of justice, generosity, and integrity, and by sharing the joy of the Gospel with others. In this season of Advent, may we find true joy in the knowledge that the Lord is near and that His coming brings light and salvation to the world.
Source:
: [USCCB](Third Sunday of Advent | USCCB)
: [Catholic Culture](https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2024-12-15)
: [Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/liturgicalyear/advent.php)
: [Catholic News Agency](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261035/cardinal-cupich-asks-catholics-to-receive-holy-communion-standing-in-chicago-archdiocese)
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