Rejoice: 3rd Sunday of Advent Reflection

Those who have attended Mass for the Sunday obligation (or will after reading this) are going to see rose vestments worn by the celebrant and deacon. They will also notice on the Advent wreath that two purple candles and a pink will be lit.

St. Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4-6). The colors have changed from dark to light. Likewise, he echoes this in his First Letter to the Thessalonians (second reading), “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks.” He is reminding us that the first duty of rejoicing is to pray and give thanks. Every Catholic does this by having joy in their hearts knowing that Christ is with them.

Now, with much of the chaos in the world, we have a hard time rejoicing. Yet, as faithful Catholics, there is much to rejoice about.

First, the light is shining in the darkness that engulfs us. Every morning, I look east and see a pinkish outline in the sky as we transition from night to morning. When I look at it, I am reminded that day is coming. For John the Baptist, he testified to the light that was to come, Jesus Christ.

Second, Catholics who have joy in their hearts are following the opening of St. Paul’s letter chosen for this Sunday. We rejoice in the fact that God gives us his blessings every day. We are saved through his son. We pray without ceasing by saying simple prayers of praise, plea, and thanksgiving. These simple prayers help us live in the light. We give thanks to God every time we rejoice and pray.

Indeed, the lord is near. We have much to rejoice. The journey is near its end. Don’t lose sight.