Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “Rejoice” in Latin. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that the Lord and our salvation is near. Our salvation is fulfilled at the coming reign of God.
Why are we joyful and what are we joyful about?
We ought to be filled with joy on this Sunday if we had been responding to the invitation of the Lord to walk in his ways. This Sunday tells us that the work we had undertaken to turn towards Him, who calls us, will bear fruit, for He is the Lord of the harvest and Lord of all.
Saint Paul reminds us of how our Lord remains faithful to us:
If we have died with Him, then we shall live with Him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with Him. If we disown Him, then He will disown us. We may be unfaithful, but He is always faithful, for He cannot disown His own self.
This joy is not rooted in the fulfilment of the wants that have been created by the world around us. This joy is the presence of Him who loves us. A joy that can only be experienced through a heart that is contrite and humble. A heart that has gone through the process of decluttering, disengaging from vices, and reorientating towards the One who can truly meet our deepest yearnings.
No true joy comes from the things of this world, for they are transient.
Just think of the latest handphone. You are happy with the most recent model but when a newer model is in the market, your heart is once again dissatisfied and the yearning starts all over again.
True joy resides in the Lord.
By Angelina Choo
Ministry of Lectors