Third Sunday of Advent- Gospel Reflection

The third Sunday of Advent may also be referred to as “Rose Sunday”, “Sunday of Joy”, or “Gaudete Sunday”. Gaudete is latin for rejoice, a theme we have heard a lot about in Advent. Although Advent has been labeled as a season of preparation and repentance, we should rejoice in the joy of the season as we await the coming of our savior.
We hear once again about John the Baptist who preaches extensively about the coming of someone greater than him, one of our own. When I reflected on this passage it really jumped out at me how many holy men and women surround us on a daily basis who we may not give a second thought about.
The Church continues to go through a turmoil but we continue to look for brighter days. Pleading God to send us a leader, a shepard, someone to catechise the youth and evangelize. How often do we think about the fact this person could be running into us at the supermarket? 
I challenge myself and you to reflect on who we encounter, who God has brought into our lives to be that light, to be John, and who we brush aside for nothing. Rejoice in the gift of what we have done, not what we need to do.

God Bless,
Jonathan

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