Reason to Rejoice
Third Sunday of Advent
Dark violet is used throughout Advent to express its character as a season of spiritual preparation for Christmas and “the coming of the Lord.” But on the Third Sunday of Advent, formerly known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, rose may be added to the liturgical environment. The entire liturgy is infused with a spirit of rejoicing.
“The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song.” Isaiah 35:1-2
Today’s first reading and Gospel proclaim the reality of God’s saving work in our midst. Isaiah exuberantly describes the idyllic transformation of all creation as a result of God’s presence in the midst of the people. In the Gospel, Jesus connects Isaiah’s prophecy with what is happening in his own ministry. In addition to the list of healings from Isaiah (the blind, the lame, lepers, and the deaf), Jesus’ presence brings two other reasons for rejoicing: “The dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Matthew 11:5).
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Reading of the Week
Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27
Tuesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17
Wednesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25
Thursday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25
Friday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38
Saturday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45
Sunday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent
Monday: Las Posadas begins
Saturday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter beginsChristmas Mass Schedule
Tuesday, December 24:
10pm – Christmas Eve MassWednesday, December 25:
10am – Christmas English Mass