Today is Gaudete Sunday. The title is taken from the first word of today’s Entrance Antiphon and means “Rejoice!” We light the rose-colored candle and remember that we are half-way through this period of preparation and waiting. We have heightened our sense of anticipation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and at the end of time.
The liturgical color for today is rose, a color called for only twice a year. I have seen some beautiful rose vestments, but I have also seen a pink color reminiscent of Pepto Bismol. I know a parish that didn’t want to spend the money on a vestment only used twice a year. The pastor asked for donations. One well-meaning parishioner went to the religious goods store and bought that very pink vestment as a gift. Be careful what you ask for.
In last week’s gospel, John the Baptist was preaching about the coming of the Messiah. This week, John is in prison and seems to need assurance that Jesus is the one. Jesus relates what he has been doing to predictions from the Old Testament prophets letting John draw his own conclusions.
John the Baptist is an icon for Advent. His mission is to prepare the way for the Messiah. He isn’t working to acquire followers for himself. He is pointing to another. He reminds us that awaiting this Messiah is not all sweetness and light. John is an ascetic who gets thrown into prison and is killed. John reminds us of the hardships we may face as we patiently wait for the coming of this Savior.
The psalm for today, Psalm 146, continues the call for justice seen in many Advent readings. “The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free.” There are also verses about protecting the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, a persistent theme in the Old Testament. The lowly are waiting to be lifted up.
The hungry are waiting to be filled with good things. God’s servants are waiting to be remembered with mercy. And so, Advent becomes a time for increased efforts to uphold the values of justice and peace-making that we should be emphasizing throughout the year.
Take time to consider how you are preparing your heart and mind for the coming of Christ: What does it mean to you that God became flesh and dwelt among us? What do all of the things in the Bible that Jesus said and did mean in your day-to-day life? What will you be doing when he comes again at the end of time? Is the life you are leading bringing you to the banquet table of the Lord?
