Gospel Reflection: Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice”
Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent. This is a Sunday which traditionally marks the half-way point in Advent.
In that respect it is similar to Laetare Sunday in Lent, but Advent is a season of hopefulness rather than simply of penance. It takes its name from the Latin Introit for Mass today (the English translation is given above as well as the Latin original) and is a respite from the, perhaps awesomeness of reflecting upon the Second Coming of the Lord.
Instead of the usual purple vestments for the season, the church invites her ministers to wear Rose coloured vestments to honour the day...they are Rose colour...not pink!
The name of this Sunday in English is, therefore, Rejoice Sunday. But our rejoicing today is not in our own power. Rather the rejoicing in the heart of the Christian people comes from our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Many of you might have heard of or even read the works of the Dutch Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen (1932-1996). Nouwen gave a great description of the difference between “joy” and “happiness” in life.
He explained that while happiness is dependant on external conditions, joy is “the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing, not sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war or even death can take that love away”. Joy, therefore, can be present within us even in the midst of sadness.
Indeed in 2014, in his Gaudete Sunday homily, Pope Francis said this: “this Sunday is known as the “Sunday of Joy”, and that instead of fretting about “all they still haven't done to prepare for Christmas, people should “think of all the good things life has given you”. “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice” Fr Steve.
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| Fr Steve wearing rose coloured vestment In the distance you can see the rose coloured veil for the tabernacle |