Third Sunday of Advent

“MY soul rejoices in my God.” Today’s responsorial psalm echoes Mary’s song of praise and rejoicing for the manifold blessings God had bestowed upon His people. On this third Sunday of Advent, the liturgy of the Church is characterized with the theme of joy. Today is called Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Rejoicing. The Church calls on the faithful to rejoice because the coming of the Lord Jesus is near and the commemoration of Christ’s birth is fast approaching. A week from now, it is already Christmas. The pink candle is lit today signifying the joy in the hearts of those who believe in Christ the Savior. The color pink also invites us to anticipate with gladness the light of Christ that will dispel all darkness around us.

Today’s liturgical readings tell us that there is a lot of reason to rejoice. The prophet Isaiah says that the Messiah coming as a prophet and liberator will reverse everything. He will turn the people’s mourning into dancing. He will turn slavery into freedom. He assures the people that God is taking hold of his people and when he comes, oppression will be eliminated. The people must thus rejoice at the coming of the Messiah.

As we continue to wait for the coming of Christ and as we prepare to celebrate His coming to us as man on Christmas Day, let us resolve not to lose hope in God. Hope is one of the virtuous that we must possess as Christians. In the Eucharist, we encounter Jesus Christ who alone is our hope and who alone gives us lasting joy.

A Christian must never despair. Amidst difficulties and trials, may we continue to trust in the Lord and celebrate his goodness and blessings. This season of Advent, let us remember to have joy in our hearts and share that joy to others, especially to those who are unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel.