Gaudete Sunday

My dear friends in Christ,

The Third Sunday of Advent brings a renewed sense of anticipation in its Gaudete message. God is speaking to us directly, although in modern terms it may sound like this: “Rejoice always! “Rejoice even though your house isn’t cleaned for your in-laws’ arrival next week.” “Rejoice even if you haven’t finished all of your Christmas shopping, wrapped those presents, or finished writing out all of those Christmas cards.” “Rejoice even though you are weary from the Advent journey.” It’s a shame that we need to be reminded to give thanks “in all circumstances”? A gentle reminder from our Lord to give thanks is welcome any time of year, but especially in the Advent season. Also on this Gaudete Sunday, we wear Rose colored vestments (not Pink) at Mass. The Rose colored candle on the Advent Wreath is lit. This indicates that at the mid-point of our Advent journey, we ready ourselves in preparation for Christmas to rejoice in the Lord.

I was asked the other day what O antiphons were. The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons that are recited preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17 -23. Based on the prophet Isaiah, each O antiphon highlights a title for the Messiah, the One who is to come. The "O Antiphons" were first used by the Church in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is based on the "O Antiphons."

Please join us Tuesday December 19th for our Advent Parish Mission at 7:00PM in Church with Father Gary Koch.

May God bless you all!

Father John