On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C
What We Celebrate
This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent and the focus of the narrative continues to be on John the Baptist who “went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) Hordes of people are coming out to him and there are two things of note: (a) the location – where Joshua and the Exodus people crossed into the Holy Land, and (b) the people are coming from everywhere – including Jerusalem. They recognize the need for conversion and making changes in their lives. John is repeatedly asked “What must I do?” His answer was unique and yet communal for each group. It raises a good question for us…. what must we do to be ready to receive the coming of Christ?
As always, a lot going on in the gospel reading. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and take a moment on the back porch with the Word of God.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary
John the Baptist Preaching | Pietre Lastman | 1219 | Chicago Museum of Art | PD-US
Gaudete Sunday
This is Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent in the Christian liturgical calendar. The name Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin and comes from the first word of the entrance antiphon for that day: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always) from Philippians 4:4. This Sunday is a time of joy and a break from the penitential tone of Advent, symbolized by the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath and the optional rose-colored vestments worn by clergy. It reminds the faithful of the joyful anticipation of Christ’s coming at Christmas, as well as His presence among us now. This celebration contrasts with the more somber tone of the other Sundays in Advent, which are typically marked by a focus on repentance and preparation for Christ’s arrival.