Gaudete Sunday

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday ("gaudete" is the Latin word "rejoice").

The assigned readings for today include Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11. The assigned responsorial psalm is Psalm 146 (146:6-10).

The second reading goes as follows (James 5:7-10):

Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

The Gospel reading goes as follows:

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

For a commentary on these readings from Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, please visit:

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Rejoice in Hope - John the Baptist & Gaudete Sunday

Deacon Greg Kandra, in his homily for today's celebration, touched on the optimism of gardeners and its application to this observance:

Deacon's Bench: Homily for December 12, 2010: 3rd Sunday of Advent (11 DEC 10)

Father John Kavanaugh, S.J., also shares some thoughts related to waiting:

John Kavanaugh, S. J.: Waiting