Sunday, 4 May 2025Christy: Hey, Harvey, why do you look so happy. What’s going on? Did you finally finish your Christmas shopping?
Harvey: Nope, not even close. But I am feeling joyful because it’s Gaudete Sunday yesterday —also known as the Sunday of Joy!
Christy: Oh, that makes sense! The Third Sunday of Advent is all about joy. It’s a reminder that we’re getting closer to Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Harvey: Exactly. The word “Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin. During Advent, we’re preparing for Jesus’ coming, and today, the Church encourages us to pause and focus on the joy of that promise.
Christy: And the readings reflect this theme too. They remind us of the good news that Jesus brings—healing, hope, and salvation. For example, John the Baptist often appears in the Gospel, preparing the way for Jesus and spreading a message of hope.
Harvey: Oh yes!
Christy: But you know, Harvey, sometimes we confuse joy with happiness. A lot of the time, we think happiness comes from things like gifts, fun events, or everything going our way.
Harvey: That’s true. But real joy—the kind we’re celebrating today—is much deeper. It comes from knowing God loves us and that Jesus is coming to bring us hope and salvation.
Christy: Exactly. True happiness isn’t about how much stuff we have or how perfect life seems. It’s about trusting in God’s promises and finding peace in His love, even when things aren’t perfect. Also, we all have the ability to share his love with our neighbours.
Harvey: For examples, we can express our gratitude to the people who have helped us in different ways, saying thank you, repaying them by tiny little actions, or to pass on this spirit by helping more and more people around you, including strangers you don’t know.
Christy: Also, as Christmas is coming, it’s also a good chance to spend quality time with your family. You don’t have to tell them you love them in words, but of course we can show our love to them by doing housework, writing christmas cards, etc.
Harvey: So, as we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath this week, let’s remember that the joy we celebrate isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about knowing that Jesus is near and that God’s love is always with us.
Christy: And that’s something worth rejoicing over. So, let’s focus on that joy today and share it with others. Happy Gaudete Sunday, everyone!
Catholic Society