Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent

Br. Arsalan Aslam
Christ the King Seminary, Karachi.

Dear brothers and Sisters in Christ, with the Universal Church, in this blessed advent Season we are reached the third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is Called “Gaudete or Rejoice” Sunday. On this blessed Sunday, we light the Pink Candle, which symbolizes joy at the soon coming of Jesus. To welcome the King of Peace, we have to be joyful in our living style, as it is written in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!”. 

The Pink color reminds us that the Joy of Christmas is near, be ready and welcome Jesus Wholeheartedly. All the priests wear Pink Chasubles on this Rejoiced Sunday.

Also Read: Gaudete Sunday – A joyful waiting in Advent
Also Read: Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent

When we reflect on the Gospel from St. Mathew 11:2-11 we see the two parts. In the first part, we see John sending his disciples to ask Jesus if He Himself is truly the promised and awaited Messiah. They reached to Jesus and asked, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus said to them everything is around you, the signs of the presence of Messiah are already there, just you need to open your eyes and see. In the second part, Jesus presents the fine profile of Jesus that He is a prophet and more than a prophet who joyfully fulfills what God asked. John is the greatest of all the prophets born of women.

Therefore, my dear Brothers and Sisters let us joyfully celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. It is based on our relationship with God, we have seen John in the Gospel who Joyfully prepared the way to welcome Christ. It all depends on our relationship with God. We have to be close to Jesus and listen to Him carefully. We can share the Joy of Christ with our neighbors by sharing our goods. Taking care of those in need. By forgiving one another, in this way, we will be fully ready to Welcome Him among us.