Happy Gaudete Sunday! Third Sunday of Advent!

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. Today, this third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate a theme of rejoicing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have been preparing ourselves during this liturgical time of the year, Advent, for the coming of our Lord. We do so throughout the year however, this time of the year, we take effort in being aware more than ever, that Jesus promised us that He would return to save us and make things right per His design and intention.

This morning as I was preparing to serve at the 11am mass celebration at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, I took a call from our Pastor confirming I would be serving at mass and that the Bishop of our Stockton Diocese would be presiding. My first thought was that I had not served with our Bishop at mass, and this would be my first, however, I was thankful for the blessing to do so.

I have an amazing personal friend, Julian, that is a Godsend inspiration to me becoming a Deacon as well as solid example of being a faithful Man of God to his family, friends, community and strangers alike. Throughout my formation Julian would say that we must always be prepared. Prepared to serve God with all our humanity, humility and heart. This is not for the weary as it calls each of us to be aware of others needs even before our own. The Gospel today, John 1:23, “Make straight the way of the Lord“, call us to do just that. We have the ability and responsibility to push those things aside that prevent us from making straight the way of the Lord. To put those things aside in our lives that take us away from God and work to create a straight path to God.

Today I was blessed to humbly serve with the servant of our Stockton Diocese and was once again reminded on how we are called to be “ready”. This time of Advent is our calling to be ready, ready for Jesus to be born and ready for Jesus to come again. “Come Lord Jesus”!

On this third Sunday of Advent, our vestments are Rose color and our theme is “rejoice”! This morning we were blessed in our community with rain from above as we were rejoicing and giving thanks for all the “Goodness” in our lives, bringing much joy!

May the love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you this Gaudete Sunday and may He always be with you on your journey to welcome Him when He returns, Amen

Deacon Armando