This Sunday, the Church celebrates ‘Gaudete Sunday’ or ‘Rejoice Sunday’ marked in particular with rose coloured vestments and the lighting of the pink candle on the Advent wreath. This playful change in colour is the Church’s reminder to us that while we are in a time of preparation, expecting the Lord’s coming, we do so with joyful anticipation. 

St Paul proclaims “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:4

Joy is at the heart of Christianity. It is a great sign to the world that amongst the struggles and difficulties of life, God is amongst us. Joy transcends surface happiness because it is rooted in the firm truth that God became man, in Jesus. Suffered, died and rose for our salvation and invites us into eternal and blessed life with Him. In other words, we can be joyful because we know that God loves us with a lavish, faithful and everlasting love. 

The world around is desperate for authentic lasting joy, and in truth it is only God who can provide it. As we come to Mass this Sunday, and as Jesus becomes truly present to us the Eucharist, maybe we can ask the Lord to give us more of His joy this Advent, and that we can share this joy with others. 

Luke Theobald, Diocesan Seminarian - Venerable English College, Rome