We are invited to hope and joy at this season of Advent and Christmas. Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete” Sunday. The day takes its common name from the Latin word “Gaudete” (“Rejoice”). The first word of the entrance antiphon of this day’s Mass: “Gaudete in Domino Semper…” which means “rejoice in the Lord always”.
We are called as Christians to rejoice in our identity and not our worth in terms of what we have done or accomplished. The challenge of the Christian life is for us not to become obsessed with our significance, accomplishment and influence, but to rejoice that we are privileged to be associated with God`s work. With a living hope of having our name written in heaven. That is having our identity ingrained with and in God.
Our Christian life is a call to us to be joyous and to let our joy be communicative to our brothers and sisters around us. This third Sunday of Advent is the celebration of joy. In the Holy Mass of today, the first four words of the Entrance Antiphon begins with Gaudete in Domino Semper, which means, Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
It is derived from the original Latin text of the entrance antiphon of the today Eucharist celebration: “Gaudete in Domino Semper” which means–“Rejoice in the Lord always.” This changes radically the tone of our Advent celebration and preparation for the Coming our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.