December 11, 2011 — Third Sunday of Advent
Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
Today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. In the midst of our preparations for Christmas, we are reminded to stop and spend time rejoicing for what God has done for us.
It is interesting, however, to note that the writers of today’s readings are not simply rejoicing in the mystery of the incarnation. In the reading from Isaiah, the prophet rejoices because the Lord has sent Him to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners.” Today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Magnificat, echoes these same sentiments. In the Gospel reading, we find John the Baptist rejoicing in the mission God has given Him. He tells those who have gathered around Him that He is not the Messiah. He tells them, “I am the voice of the one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”
What’s more, in his letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds us as the Christian Church to rejoice always. We are called to rejoice, proclaim and, as stewards, to use the many things God has given us – our time, our talents, and our treasure – to help others recognize the many good things God does for us.
