John the Baptist Commits a Major Party Foul
Today is the third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday.
What does that mean?
Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice,” and the origin of this name for the third Sunday of Advent comes from the beginning of our reading from Philippians today: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
In the old Latin mass, the introit used this text, so the first words the priest said were, “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.”
Hence the name Gaudete Sunday, a Sunday of rejoicing.
Advent is actually a penitential season like Lent, something many people don’t realize.
That’s why when I dismiss you at the end of the service, I don’t say “Alleluia, alleluia.” We just say, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,” and you respond, “Thanks be to God,” just like in Lent, because it’s a penitential season.
Just like how in Lent we use the time to prepare for Easter and reflect on things like our mortality and sin, we do the same in Advent to prepare for Christmas.
Thinking about how much we need Jesus helps us get ready to welcome and greet him. Continue reading