The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice”. This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today’s Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
This week’s Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week we hear Jesus’ message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus’ ministry and Jesus’ assessment of John’s role in the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John’s arrest in chapter 14:3- 12. In today’s Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their mown determination. In his next breath however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater.
Jesus’ message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophets Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God’s work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God’s kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.
It is easy to look at our world and become discouraged by the apparent absence of God and signs of God’s salvation. Advent, however, is a season of hope, in which we acknowledge that salvation is both mysteriously present, even in our world and yet to be fulfilled.
During this week, read again the Gospel and think about John’s question to Jesus: Are you the One? Jesus does not answer directly, but points to the signs of the kingdom present in his midst.
Look through the newspaper for signs of hope that God is at work in our world. Pray that the world will know God’s salvation. Let us also remember to pray for each other in our Parish community.