Gaudete Sunday is a time for prayerful, joyful waiting

We are in the middle of the Advent season. Can you remind us what Advent is?

Advent is a celebration of the past, present and future. It is an opportunity to look back to the past and celebrate the day when Christ was born, fully human yet divine. Advent also involves the present, as we are invited to ask for the eyes of faith to see Jesus revealing himself to us in subtle and not-so-subtle ways every day. Finally, Advent is a time to look forward to the future and to be prepared for when Jesus will come again in glory. If we celebrate Advent as past, present and future, it will help us to do two things: It will help us to celebrate Christmas in a more joyful way and also help us not to be fearful of death, as we will be ready to meet our Lord when we are called home.

As we light the candles on the Advent wreath this weekend for the third Sunday of Advent, we light the pink or rose-colored candle. What does this signify?

I think it important to remember that the four Advent candles reinforce the contrast between darkness and light. Christ is referred to in Scripture as the “Light of the World” in stark contrast to the darkness of sin. Each week, as Christ’s advent (coming) approaches more closely, we light another candle to dispel the darkness. The first and second candles and the fourth candle are purple, representing the liturgical colors signifying prayer and penance. The Third Sunday of Advent, which we celebrate this weekend, is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, and we light a rose candle as a symbol for joy – that the Savior is almost here. This weekend we find that the tone of the Mass readings changes greatly as the people are called to “shout for joy,” “be glad” (Zephaniah 3:14) and “rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). It is interesting that on this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, there are many cultural celebrations in which people bless their Nativity scenes or, even more specifically, the Baby Jesus figure in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

This year, it seems our community has had many crosses to endure from COVID-19 spikes to Hurricane Ida and more. How can we use the season of Advent to reflect on these experiences?

First, I want to express my continued care and prayers for those who have been affected by the COVID pandemic and for those still struggling to recover from Hurricane Ida. There are several parishes I am aware of that have added survivors of Hurricane Ida to their Angel Giving Trees in order that we may offer material support for those who are rebuilding. I am grateful that the local church continues to be present and to minister to them on the long road to recovery. Spiritually, we know that Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. For all of us, I encourage us to reflect on all of our crosses as opportunities to grow in relationship with Christ as we prepare our hearts with faith and hope for his coming at Christmas and at the end of our lives.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].