Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Third Sunday of Advent [Gaudete Sunday]
[Zephaniah 3:14-18A; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18]Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: Rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. [Philippians]
Those of us who live in a parish where the vestment collection includes the "rose-colored" vestment know that this Sunday, known as "Gaudete" (Rejoice!) Sunday, is a bit different. It basically marks the halfway point in Advent and the church pauses to contemplate what it is we are working toward and rejoices in that goal! Certainly the children know the meaning of anticipation, even if "spiritual" anticipation would not be the way we might describe it! St. Paul and St. John the Baptist, however, point out that this rejoicing carries a practical punch. St. Paul says, "Your kindness should be known to all." St. John the Baptist responds to the question, "What should we do?" with several statements, including, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." [Gospel of Luke today]. In short, Gaudete Sunday is a time to renew our Advent intentionality! There is much around us that prevents our brothers and sisters from rejoicing! Sharing the joy requires practical kindness. AMEN