December 14, 2025 - Third Sunday of Advent
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday—from the Latin gaudete, meaning “rejoice.” The rose candle is lit and the tone of the liturgy lifts as we move from patient waiting to joyful anticipation. Christmas is drawing nearer, and the readings invite us to recognize the signs of God’s nearness.
In the first reading, Isaiah 35 paints a picture of remarkable transformation: deserts bloom, the weak are strengthened, and the fearful are encouraged. The prophet urges us to “be strong, fear not!” God is coming—not with destruction but with healing, restoration, and joy. Advent invites us to look for these quiet blossoms of grace in the “deserts” of our own lives.
The Gospel from Matthew 11 shows John the Baptist—now imprisoned—sending disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus doesn’t respond with a title but with evidence: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the poor receive good news. The Kingdom of God does not arrive with fanfare but with mercy, healing, and hope. This is the Messiah John proclaimed—though not exactly as he expected. Like John, we may sometimes struggle with God’s timing or wonder why the Lord’s ways differ from our expectations. But Jesus invites us to look again—to notice the ways grace is already unfolding around us: quiet encouragement, unexpected kindness, forgiveness offered or received, healing beginning where we thought none was possible.
In the second reading, St. James urges, “Be patient… until the coming of the Lord.” Advent patience is not passive waiting; it is an active, hopeful posture. It is the patience of a farmer tending soil, trusting that growth is underway even when unseen. As we enter this joyful midpoint of Advent, may our hearts open to the signs of Christ’s presence. Let us rejoice—not because all is perfect, but because God is faithfully at work in our world and in our lives. Gaudete! Rejoice! The Lord is near.
God bless everyone always!
Fr. Stan
