The third Sunday of Advent is also referred to as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin “to rejoice”. This Sunday we put away the violet color of Advent and put on the rose color vestments and light the rose colored candle to mark this festive moment. So why are we rejoicing now? Advent isn’t over yet. First, because the 3rd Sunday marks that we are past the halfway point of our Advent fast. While the practice of fasting for Advent was done away with in the early 20th century, we still recognize the day as a brief moment of celebration as we wind-down our period of penitent reflection. It is also an opportunity to recognize that Jesus’ coming, both the first time, and the second time yet to come, are moments of great joy and celebration. As such, our readings this week take a more joyous tone. The Word for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Psalm 146, 6-7, 8-...
Comments on our weekly readings for Sunday Mass and other topics of interest for those who are going through the initiation process or want to learn more about the Catholic Faith