Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
This Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. It is the Sunday of rejoicing, the meaning behind the word, “Gaudete.” Our celebration takes its cue from the second reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, which begins, “Rejoice always.”
In his letter, St. Paul also encourages us to pray without ceasing and in all circumstances give thanks.
Yes, it is God’s will that we are happy and rejoice. In fact, our Church teaches that we were created to be happy with God forever — after we come to know, love, and serve God in this life.
But St. Paul was not naive. He had faced many hardships in his own life, including ridicule, physical beatings, shipwreck, and eventual martyrdom.
How could he rejoice always? He could rejoice because he knew that his future was secured and that the difficulties of this life were temporary. Every cross would eventually end in resurrection! All he had to do was believe, keep the faith, and live what he believed — that the savior was born, the savior of the world, his savior. He could smile because he knew what was around the corner — the Kingdom of God.
There is hope for us too — we can (and we should) rejoice. This is God’s will for us! Jesus has been born to save us from our sins and lead us to new life. What else do we need to know?
Have a blessed week everyone!