Rejoice! The Lord Is Near
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is Gaudete Sunday. The word Gaudete means “Rejoice!”
That is why the priest may wear rose-colored vestments and why the Advent wreath candle today is pink.
In the middle of our waiting, the Church pauses and says:
Rejoice — not because everything is perfect, but because God is close.
1. Joy in the Middle of Waiting
Advent is a season of preparation, repentance, and expectation.
But today, the Church reminds us that Christian waiting is never sad.
Our joy does not come from:
- money
- comfort
- success
- the absence of problems
Our joy comes from the certainty that God is faithful and our Savior is near.
2. The Voice of Hope: Isaiah
In the first reading (Isaiah 35:1–6a, 10), we hear one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture:
- the blind will see
- the deaf will hear
- the lame will leap
- the mute will speak
- sorrow and sadness will flee
This is not just poetry.
This is the promise of salvation.
Isaiah speaks to a people who are suffering, discouraged, and afraid — yet God tells them:
“Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.”
True joy is born when we trust that God is at work, even when we do not see immediate results.
3. John the Baptist’s Question
In the Gospel (Matthew 11:2–11), John the Baptist — the great prophet — is now in prison.
The man who boldly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah now asks:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Even the strongest believers sometimes struggle.
Faith does not mean we never doubt.
Faith means we bring our doubts to Jesus.
Jesus does not criticize John.
Instead, He points to the signs:
- the blind regain sight
- the lame walk
- lepers are cleansed
- the deaf hear
- the dead are raised
- the poor receive good news
These are signs that God’s kingdom has arrived.
4. Joy Is Rooted in Hope, Not Circumstances
John is still in prison.
The problems have not disappeared.
But the presence of Jesus changes everything.
This teaches us something important:
👉 Christian joy is not the absence of pain.
👉 Christian joy is the presence of Christ.
We may be carrying:
- sickness
- family struggles
- financial worries
- unanswered prayers
Yet Gaudete Sunday reminds us:
Do not lose hope. God is close.
5. St. James: Be Patient
In the second reading (James 5:7–10), we are told:
“Be patient… for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
Just as a farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we are called to trust God’s timing.
God is never late.
He is never early.
He is always on time.
6. How Do We Live This Joy?
To live Gaudete joy means:
✔ Choosing hope over despair
✔ Trusting God even in difficulties
✔ Encouraging others instead of complaining
✔ Living with gratitude
✔ Recognizing God’s blessings, big and small
Joy is a decision rooted in faith.
Conclusion: Rejoice, the Lord Is Near
Dear friends,
As we light the rose candle today, the Church reminds us:
Joy is not optional for Christians.
It is a sign that we trust God.
Even in pain.
Even in uncertainty.
Even in waiting.
Let us ask for the grace to live this week with hopeful hearts, patient spirits, and joyful faith, knowing that our Savior is very near.
Rejoice! The Lord is near.
Amen.