If you have only been half listening to the readings, you will know that rejoicing is the name of the game, otherwise known as Gaudete. The priest is vested in pink or rose. This colour is used only twice in the liturgical year: called Gaudete Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent. We light the third candle on the Advent wreath, also pink, showing us that we are more than half-way through the Advent season. The colour seeks to infuse us with a sense of joy and hope in this great season of preparation. Advent reminds us that the light of Christ is drawing ever nearer. The subtle shift from purple to rose encourages us to rejoice in the promise of what is to come.
Like the people in the gospel, we also ask the question, ‘What does the Lord want me to do?’ or ‘What is the Lord asking of me?’ For our prayer to be answered we need to reflect and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit who will respond to our desire to align all our actions with God’s will.
In the gospel, people turned to John the Baptist for help and guidance and he offered them clear directions urging everyone to share what they had with those in need and offering tailored advice to specific groups. John clearly recognised that we need to love, forgive, and serve others as the Lord Jesus has done for us. Each of us is called to discern what the gospel call means for ourselves in our unique circumstances, asking ourselves: ‘What must I do that only I am called to do?’ This personal response that we make to God’s call is how we can commit to living the gospel in the different circumstances in which we live.
by Fr Thomas O'Brien a.a
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