Gospel Reflection
Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, is a moment in the liturgical year when the Church pauses to rejoice. The word Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and the readings remind us that even in seasons of waiting, God’s presence brings renewal and hope. Isaiah speaks of deserts blooming, of the blind seeing and the lame leaping, of sorrow and sighs fleeing away. James encourages patience, urging us to wait with trust like farmers awaiting the harvest. In the Gospel, John the Baptist, imprisoned and uncertain, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is truly the Messiah. Jesus responds not with abstract words but with signs: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear good news. These are the unmistakable marks of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world.
This Sunday reminds us that joy is not naïve optimism but confidence in God’s faithful action. Advent is not passive waiting; it is active hope, noticing where God is already at work and preparing our hearts to welcome Christ more fully. In our own lives, we may share John’s questions and doubts, but Jesus’ answer is always the same: look at the signs of renewal, healing, and justice.
As families enter the Christmas holiday break, this message takes on a special meaning. Joy can be lived out in simple ways at home: sharing meals, laughter, and traditions that remind us of God’s presence. Patience becomes a gift when holidays feel busy or stressful, inviting us to slow down and extend grace to one another. Service can be a family practice, whether visiting relatives, helping neighbours, or supporting ministries that care for the vulnerable. Prayer anchors joy in faith, whether through lighting the Advent wreath, reading the Sunday Gospel together, or pausing before meals. Most importantly, Christ can be seen in one another, in everyday acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love.
Pope Leo’s recent visit to Lebanon has been a powerful reminder of the Church’s universal mission of reconciliation and hope. His presence among the Lebanese people, especially in Beirut and Baalbek, echoed Isaiah’s vision of deserts blooming and communities being renewed. By standing with a nation that has endured hardship, the Pope reminded us that Christ’s joy is strongest when shared in solidarity with those who suffer. For us, his visit is an invitation to deepen our own commitment to justice and peace. Just as Jesus pointed to signs of healing and good news, Pope Leo’s witness calls us to be signs of hope in our own families, schools, and parishes.
Gaudete Sunday calls us to rejoice because the Lord is near. As we move into the Christmas holiday break, may this joy be lived out in patience, service, and prayer, and may Pope Leo’s visit inspire us to see Christ’s presence in every act of solidarity and love.
I want to offer a personal note of thanks to our staff, students, and families. Your presence at liturgies, your support of community initiatives, and your willingness to walk together in faith have been a true witness to the Serviam spirit. Every small act of kindness and service has helped our community reflect the joy of Gaudete Sunday. The recent Thanksgiving Mass was a beautiful example of this spirit, gathering us together in gratitude for the year past and commissioning our leaders with hope for the future. It was a reminder that when we come together in prayer and thanksgiving, we embody the very signs of renewal that Jesus points to in the Gospel.
