On the Third Sunday of Advent, Catholics celebrate Gaudete—or “rejoice”—Sunday. Even though Jesus is not born yet, Kevin Lee, SJ reflects how this Sunday invites us to see the ways that God is already breaking into the world. Based on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent.
Why are we rejoicing if Jesus isn’t born yet?
Hi, I’m Kevin Lee, and this is my One-Minute reflection.
The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Guadete, or “rejoice”, Sunday, but if Advent is a time of waiting, what are we rejoicing? In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s disciples ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus responds by pointing out the miracles happening around them: the blind see, the deaf hear, the dead are raised.
Yes, we are still awaiting the arrival of baby Jesus, but the Spirit of Christ is already here! We just have to look around. He can be seen in the wonder of a sunrise, in the smile from a loved one, in the peace and joy of celebrating the sacraments. Jesus is here, even while we wait. So, let’s look around at the wonder of the world and rejoice in the presence of Christ!