Gaudete Sunday 2018
The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday because of the mitigated penance it communicates as we draw closer to Christ’s arrival. St. John the Baptist comes before us again in today’s Gospel as he heralds the Messiah and Christmas. He had great holiness and all the qualities necessary to prepare the people for the Redeemer’s arrival. The Epistle echoes the call of the Mass to let our joy touch others and lead them to God. Success in this regard depends on prayer with belief, confidence in petition, reliance on God and perseverance. With these our prayers bear fruit as does our upcoming celebration of Christmas.
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