Rejoice in the Lord always!
We arrive surprisingly quickly at the Third Sunday of Advent—Gaudete Sunday. The rose candle on our wreath invites us to pause and rejoice. Advent has moved swiftly, and before the final rush of preparations begins, the Church asks us to lift our eyes and recognize the nearness of the Lord.
Our first reading, from Isaiah 35:1–6a, 10, is filled with images of joy and transformation. The desert blooms, the weak grow strong, the fearful are encouraged, and the redeemed return singing with everlasting joy. This joy is not superficial—it is the deep gladness that comes from knowing God is acting in our lives, restoring what is broken and renewing what seems barren. This is the true joy of Christmas: not the lights, the gifts, or the celebrations, but the certainty that God has come to save us, to heal us, and to walk with us.
St. James, in the second reading, reminds us of another essential Advent posture: patience (James 5:7–10). As farmers wait for the precious fruit of the earth, so must we wait for the Lord with steady hearts. James cautions us not to grumble against one another—a gentle reminder that impatience often expresses itself in frustration, criticism, or unkind words. True joy and true readiness for Christ require hearts at peace with God and with one another.
In the Gospel (Matthew 11:2–11), John the Baptist sends a question to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?” Jesus responds not with theories, but with evidence: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. In other words, the kingdom is breaking in—joy is near because the Savior is already at work.
As we enter the final stretch of Advent, the Church invites us to prepare not only our homes, but especially our hearts. One of the most concrete ways to do this is through a good confession. Reconciliation restores joy. It allows grace to bloom in the deserts of our lives.
This Tuesday, December 16th, we will have our Parish Advent Penitential Service. Eight priests will be available.
Please take advantage of this beautiful opportunity. Come, be reconciled, be renewed, and allow the true joy of Christmas—Christ Himself—to fill your heart.
Gaudete! Rejoice! The Lord is near.
