Is. 61:1-2a, 10-11 | Ps. Lk. 1:46-50, 53-54 | 1 Thes. 5:16-24 Jn. 1:6-8, 19-28

Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of Advent.  This Latin word means rejoice.  We know that God wants us to enter into the celebration of the coming of the Lord in two weeks.  

Thus we see rejoicing throughout all three readings.  God, through Isaiah, tells us that God is sending the prophet to proclaim God’s goodness and to announce the coming of God.  Because of this, the prophet rejoices and sings God’s praises.  Paul tells the people of Thessalonica to rejoice and pray always.

John the Baptist is questioned about his identity.  This was a great opportunity for John to sing his own praises. Instead, John remains faithful to God and tells us that he has come to make a path ready for God.  John also declares that he is unworthy to untie the shoes of Jesus.