3rd Sunday of Advent Reflection

Today is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Over the first millennium of Christianity Advent was like a late Lent. Both were five weeks long, both were marked by fasting and penance and both gave the faithful a day off half way through. In Lent Laudete Sunday is still, roughly, half way through the five-week season. Advent, however, was shortened to four weeks in the tenth century. It is, literally, the ‘rejoicing’ Sunday when we look more directly at Jesus’ coming at Christmas.

In today’s Gospel John the Baptist is the model of humility, opening the way for the Kingdom of Jesus to break in upon the world. We should never underestimate talent spotters, they all have John the Baptist as their patron saint.

John the Baptist, the embodiment of the old covenant, recognises who Jesus is for the world and encourages his foes and friends alike to welcome in the Christ, the new and everlasting Covenant. John the Baptist simply saw Jesus and knew that Love had taken human form. Through his talent spotting and in his promotion of Jesus he enabled the first generation of Christians to see and believe that the promises made to their ancestors had been fulfilled.

No wonder we have him as our focus on Gaudete Sunday. And so may we all rejoice today, not only because salvation is always close at hand in Christ the Lord, but because we are also called to spot his love in every act of goodness we see, encourage and promote it as best we can and then watch nature and grace do the rest.