When I was in elementary school, as soon as Advent began, I anxiously awaited Gaudete Sunday, the third week, as it meant a temporary reprieve from the season's stark purple in favor of the gentler pink! Even back then, I was drawn to the joy-filled hue of the pink candle and vestments. It was time to rejoice!

As I write this reflection, the devastation experienced by so many of our sisters and brothers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy is still being felt profoundly. It is hard to wrap one's mind around the utter destruction of towns and communities and homes. In what can we rejoice this Third Sunday of Advent?

The images seen on television and on the Internet bring tears to our eyes and lead us to ask what should we do? In today's gospel the crowd gathered around John the Baptist asked the very same question, what should we do? John answered:

Whoever has two coats, should share with the person who has none.
Whoever has food should do likewise.

What should we do? We should do what we have been doing! Faith-based and secular organizations, whole communities and individuals have responded generously to the call for much-needed aid. What should we do? We should rejoice in the immediate outpouring of love and concern and support that has come from near and far. This has been nothing short of heart-warming and certainly affirming of the innate goodness of the human spirit.

At its most basic level, John's message is really quite simple! In the sharing of our time and talent and treasure great joy is to be found. And what is the result? It is found in our second reading from Philippians: the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

May our hearts continue to be awake to the needs of all of our sisters and brothers, for in doing so there will always be a reason to rejoice!

 

--Joan Dollinger, SSJ Associate

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