‘What, then, shall we do?’
This Gaudete Sunday begins with a resounding ‘Rejoice!’: a joyful and energising call for jubilation that echoes throughout the readings. We are full of joy in the Lord because he is very near. Our Advent journeying and anticipation is nearly over. We are preparing to celebrate both the coming of the Christ Child into our world, and the wonderful promise of the Good News that God is always close at hand.
The prophet Zephaniah (First Reading) proclaims a jubilant God already in our midst: a God who saves, strengthens, calms and protects us with love;
a God who dances and sings alongside us.
This joyful image of God is so fundamental to our Advent hope and longing that a responsorial prayer from the prophet Isaiah replaces the Psalm, encouraging us to: ‘Shout aloud and sing praise, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!’
Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Second Reading) opens by encouraging us always to be joyful in the Lord. Through prayers of thanksgiving, we will come to know the true peace that rests in Christ Jesus.
John the Baptist (Gospel) was grounded in his certain belief of the coming saviour who would bring, joy, peace and justice. He dedicated his life to calling people to repentance, so that they might be better able to respond and believe in the Good News. John was so rooted in Gospel values that many thought he himself was the Christ.
Let us pray this week for the grace to be like John, to proclaim Christ and the joyous Good News to a world that desperately needs it. As a community of prayer, we know we are loved by a joyful God. With that same joy, let us share this love with others.
