From The Bishop

This weekend we celebrate Gaudete Sunday and the vestments change from violet to rose. The Introit (Entrance Antiphon) for the Mass states: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always). On the Third Sunday of Advent we are called to rejoice. The Second Reading from St. Paul to the Philippians sets the tone very beautifully: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice…Do not worry about anything…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ”. The First Reading from Zephaniah echos the same sentiments: “Rejoice and exult with all your heart O daughter of Jerusalem!” We rejoice because God is so good to us and we should respond by being good to others. This is what John the Baptist speaks about in the Gospel of St. Luke. We must be generous, share our resources, act justly, and be content with what we have. This is sound advice as we prepare for the Feast of Christmas. Let us focus on what is most important and promote goodness, always rejoicing in the Lord. 3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT Readings: 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3.14-18a 2nd Reading: Philippians 4.4-7 Gospel: Luke 3.10-18