Third Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11; 2 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; and John 1:6-8, 19-28. The Responsorial Psalm is Luke 1:46-50, 53-54..

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm for 3rd Sunday of Advent (Mary's Song)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"

He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Christ."

So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?"

And he said, "I am not."

"Are you the Prophet?"

He answered, "No."

So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?"

He said: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord,'  as Isaiah the prophet said."

Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"

John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Third Sunday of Advent (December 14, 2014)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Third Sunday of Advent (December 14, 2014)

Msgr. Charles Pope: Sweet, Beautiful, Soul-Saving Joy – A Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent (13 DEC 14)

The Deacon's Bench: "Rejoice always!" A homily for Guadete Sunday (13 DEC 14)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Gaudete Sunday: What John the Baptist Teaches us about Humility and Joy

The Sacred Page: Rejoice! The Readings for Gaudete Sunday! (12 DEC 14)

Word on Fire: A Not Very Cozy Advent (Cycle B * Advent * Week 3)

Dr. Scott Hahn: One Who is Coming (December 14th 2014 - Third Sunday in Advent)

CWR Blog: The Joyful, Particular Scandal of Advent (14 DEC 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: Holy Darkness (The 3rd Sunday of Advent B)

The Word Embodied: Gaudete: Rejoice (The 3rd Sunday of Advent B)

Historical Cultural Context: A Different Kind of Priest (The 3rd Sunday of Advent B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Scotus Erigena (The 3rd Sunday of Advent B)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Gaudete Sunday (12 DEC 14)