Gaudete Sunday

Just as in Lent the Church offers us a breather at about the halfway mark with'Laetare Sunday', so in Advent we are offered 'Gaudete'. Both these Latin words mean 'Rejoice': they are the opening words of the 'Entry Antiphons' for the respective Sundays. Remember the church nis a good psychologist, and we are even offered the choice of a change of colour for these days: rose instead of the sombre purple. Many of the older churches will still have a set of rose vestments, but others do not find it economical to keep a special colour for just two days in the year. No matter, the mood of the liturgy today should still be especially uplifting and send us out renewed in mind and heart as we continue our preparations for the coming feast.

Good liturgy should be an expression of our life. Today we might profitably reflect on how we cannot live on a high all the time, but that even in the midst of the more difficult or painful times, there is always a ray of light if we know where to search. Christmas notoriously brings with it stresses and strains, ironically because we want it all to be right, we want to peak at the right time. Learn from past experience: take stock and take a breather today and pace yourself over the last lap.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near."