This third Sunday of Advent is termed Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. It is only fitting that our second reading today, Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, begins, “Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing!” (1 Thess. 5:16). This week in Mass, we will see rose vestments and the third, rose, candle on the wreath will be lit. Why rose for the third candle? We use this color to indicate a joyful feast day or holiday. This Sunday is all about joy!
Being joyful and counting one’s blessings is what it is all about. But sometimes, we have things in our lives that challenge us. We may have a family member or friend that we have disagreed with. Maybe there are financial woes in the family, or maybe it’s the heartache of missing a loved one over the holidays. We all have them, and these challenges can really test us. But we can’t give up; we need to look at the situation and revisit it or re-test it.
This past Easter Vigil, I celebrated the tenth anniversary of my Baptism. The last ten years have been an amazing, blessed, and humbling journey. From receiving the Sacraments to meeting my wife, being called to Diaconate formation, and being blessed with my boy, Noah, I wouldn’t change a thing except one. I remember when I told some of my family and friends that I was going to become Catholic, it caused quite a stir. There were many uncomfortable conversations, and it caused some arguments. A few of my friends even started to distance themselves from me. This time of year always makes me reflect on some of those relationships that have diminished, and in prayer, I ask the Lord if they should be re-tested. I guess my point is that we all have that “something” that we need to sit back and ask the Lord, “Should this be re-tested?”
No matter how we resolve our challenges, it is important to remember that our joy in Christ can remain regardless of them because we know that God is in control of our circumstances. Therefore, we can “rejoice always” and “in all circumstances give thanks” because we have hope in God. On this Gaudete (“Rejoice!”) Sunday, reflect on what you are thankful for. This week, try writing down the things in your life that cause you to rejoice. Then, thank God for those blessings.
– John Kovacik