Gaudete Sunday

12-17-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi, V.C.

Today is known as Gaudete Sunday, Gaudete is the Latin word for “rejoice.” Today, we light the rose-colored candle on our Advent Wreath, signifying our symbolic expression of joy. On this Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday. We are invited to reflect on the things that make us truly joyful. What makes us truly happy and joyful? Is it our work, family, faith, money, good health, sports, etc? We are also invited to even go beyond identifying the things that make us joyful during this Christmas Season to see how we can share our joy with those who are in need around us. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is a way of sharing our joy not only with those who are in need but those within our families.

In the First Reading, Prophet Isaiah describes his reasons for rejoicing in the Lord. We too can share with him in rejoicing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, that the Lord has anointed us, that the Lord has entrusted us with the opportunity to announce the Good News, to heal the brokenhearted and to set the captives free.

In our Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us to “rejoice always in all circumstances.” Our reasons to rejoice go beyond the need for physical health or protection from harm. It is the Joy of the Lord, the joy that the world cannot give us.

In the Gospel Reading, John the Baptist also rejoices that he was given the honor of announcing the arrival of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He saw the light of Jesus Christ, he testified to the Light, he pointed at the Light, and in doing so directed others to follow Christ.

The Scripture Readings this weekend invite us to reflect on the spiritual joy that marks our Christian faith. We should always rejoice because God has done great things for us! We are filled with joy for belonging to a loving and supportive community of faith, we rejoice for the gift of our families and friends, and the joy of knowing that our relationship with the Lord is secured. The Lord will always be with us in every circumstance we encounter. I pray that the Joy of the Lord will continue to be our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) as we go through this very challenging time.

Remain Blessed,

Fr. James