PODCAST | Third Week of Advent: Rejoice in the Lord

On today’s podcast we reflect on the readings for the Mass of the third Sunday of Advent also known as “Gaudete Sunday” or “Rejoice Sunday”.

The very first description of Jesus in the Gospel is that he is “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). He gives hope and great joy! Great joy always surrounds Him; there is always a joyous reaction in the presence of Our Lord.

During this third week of Advent, we want to reflect on our union with Jesus Christ and on our disposition as we continue expecting and welcoming Him. One tell-tale sign that we are in the right disposition for Him to come to us is the prominent fruit of the Holy Spirit: joy.

St. Paul tells us: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4:4). This joy exclusively comes from Christ. He’s not an option because joy outside of Christ is a good mood; it’s a thrill; it’s a momentary pleasure; and it’s the satisfaction of success that is so fleeting. Permanent joy, deep joy, is symptomatic of a close relationship with Jesus. Joy comes from being that good soil where we habitually seek our Lord with our whole heart.

“When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s the disposition we want to cultivate—to seek Him with all our hearts and to do it in installments with resolutions.

And, if we are lacking joy, this is the time to examine ourselves: Am I looking for Jesus with all my heart? Is He number one in my life? Do I want Him to be number one?

We pray to Our Lady, Cause of Our Joy: “Help me to be less crazy busy so my prayer becomes a habitual activity and my day revolves around Our Lord, and so that I can rejoice in Christ and more effectively transmit His life to my family and friends.”