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From the Pastor’s Desk
Although we have yet to reach the mid-point of the month of December, today is the Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday. It seems early to me that we have already reached this specific Sunday of the Advent journey, but maybe it’s needed in a year where rejoicing has been difficult to come by.
The title for this Sunday comes from the first word of the Latin version of the Entrance Antiphon — Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete (Phil 4:4). The antiphon makes its appearance in the liturgy of the Church of the West (Roman) in the 9th century about the same time that the season of Advent went from being observed from six Sundays before Christmas to the present pattern of four Sundays. While the rejoicing of this day is not something that overwhelms the Advent journey, for the person who knows and celebrates the omnipotent Presence of Christ, then one rejoices in their heart and soul knowing the joy that only God can bestow.
One sure way that God showers us with the ability to rejoice is when we humbly confess our sins and receive His forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. Our parish’s Advent Penance Service will be on Tuesday, December 15 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Cathedral. Extra priests will also be here to assist all who desire to celebrate this Sacrament.
A 16th century Latin carol named simply Gaudete, expresses the joy Christians should know these days:
The time of grace has come – what we have wished for;
Songs of joy let us faithfully return to Him.
Love,
Fr. Tom