The Institute for Christian Formation
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Third Sunday of Advent
December 11, 2016
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, and when you light your Advent Wreath today, and each day this week, you will light two violet candles and the rose colored candle. Advent is a time of preparation and waiting. Violet, which expresses penance and/or waiting, is the primary liturgical color during this season. Rose, however, is the color for this third Sunday of Advent, “Gaudete Sunday”. The word “Gaudete” is Latin for "rejoice". The entrance antiphon for Mass the third Sunday of Advent begins with words from Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always". We rejoice that the Lord's coming is near!
Our readings at Mass today are very rich. Our First Reading at Mass today is from the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 35:1-6a,10). Joy and rejoicing figure prominently in this reading. Our Second Reading today is from the Letter of Saint James (James 5:7-10). Patience is the theme of this reading.
Our Gospel today once again features John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2-11). John, who is in prison and hears of the works of Jesus, sends his disciples to Jesus to question him and find out if he is the Messiah. After Jesus responds to John’s disciples and sends them back to John, Jesus begins to question the crowd about John. He tells them that there has been no one born who is greater than John the Baptist. Last Sunday, we incorporated the hymn, “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry,” into our prayer and reflection. You can download this hymn here. Listen to this hymn below, while viewing the various images of John the Baptist.
Since today is Gaudete Sunday, our liturgical color is rose and we are lighting three candles on our Advent wreath, including the rose colored one. Why not place a lovely rose at each place at your table for Sunday dinner today? Invite children to make placecards and decorate them with roses. Are there those in your neighborhood who are shut in or ill this Gaudete Sunday? Why not bake cookies or cupcakes decorated with icing roses, and along with a real rose make a visit to these neighbors sharing your Gaudete rejoicing with them!
Before the day ends, conclude your Gaudete Sunday with this lovely video reflection below, “Mystic Rose Advent Reflection,” featuring the beautiful art by Brother Mickey McGrath.
“Bambinelli Sunday”
For the past several decades, each year on Gaudete Sunday children (and adults) bring their Christ-child figures from the crèche at their homes to St. Peter’s Square where the Pope will bless both the people and the figurines during the Angelus. This celebration is highlighted in the book, “Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing,” written by Amy Welborn and illustrated by Ann Engelhart. You can even access an online tutorial so children can make their own Bambinelli (baby Jesus figure). Photos from “Bambinelli Sunday” 2013 can be viewed on the Facebook page of Vatican Radio – English Section.
