Today is Gaudette Sunday—the third Sunday of Advent called the Sunday of Joy. The readings are filled with joy: Rejoice in the Lord always! is the Entrance Antiphon. Isaiah says I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God. The psalm is the Magnificat. The letter to the Thessalonians encourages readers to rejoice always.
Then there is the gospel. John the Baptist does not seem like a happy guy at first glance but today’s reading makes me realize that John had to be content in at least one thing: he knew who he was—and who he was not—and knew the purpose for which he had been called. How many of us have that luxury?
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord!” This may not seem like a dream job but John never begrudged having to do it. He is pictured as one in the desert, eating honey and locusts and wearing itchy sackcloth. He knew he was not worthy to untie the thong of Christ’s sandal and yet here he was proclaiming to anyone who would listen that the long-awaited Messiah was at hand. Sometimes, our lot in life is a dream job if we look with God’s eyes. What are you preparing the way for in life?
Peace,
Suzanne
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