Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete Sunday is named for the first word of the Entrance antiphon (Introit) of the day, which reads “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice!”.

Gaudete Sunday corresponds to Laetare Sunday during Lent. These Sundays allow us a glimpse of the joy and light which await us in the Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus. Advent, like Lent, is a penitential season, something which is so often forgotten amidst the materialism, consumerism and man-made ‘happiness’ that surround us at this time of year. Whilst the ‘advent’ or coming of our Lord is a cause for celebration and joy, the light of our Saviour’s incarnation is dimmed for us if we are not adequately prepared for His coming. In order to prepare, we must examine ourselves closely and acknowledge those areas of our lives which are a barrier to our full communion with Christ.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we find the following regarding Advent:

“When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire.” "He must increase, but I must decrease." (CCC 524)

We must decrease, through humility, so that we may be filled with His light and goodness. We become Christ-like when we acknowledge and seek forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those thoughts and actions which separate us from Him. It is not He who separates us from Him but we ourselves who willfully turn away from Him through selfishness and pride.

In this light, consider the following brief examination of conscience:

Do I ignore God or exclude him from my life?
Have I used God’s name in anger or carelessly?
Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin?
Have I been impatient, angry or jealous?
Have I been lazy at my work or at home?
Have I been uncharitable or unkind in thought, word or deed?
Have I told lies?
Do I judge others unfairly?

This is a time during which we should use every opportunity to turn towards Christ, to convert fully and receive, with joyful and humble expectation, Christ’s light and grace within our souls.

Gaudete! Rejoice!