Joyful Nourishment for Body and Soul in the Third Week of Advent

As we enter the third week of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a day of rejoicing. The word Gaudete means “Rejoice” in Latin and is taken from Philippians 4:4, which reminds us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” This week, the Church invites us to reflect on the joy that comes from the nearness of the Lord, as we prepare our hearts to welcome Him anew. Joy is deeper than happiness. It is not dependent on our circumstances but rooted in God’s presence, promises, and love for us. Reflecting on the Gospel readings, we see how Mary, the Mother of Jesus, models true joy through her openness to God’s will. We also hear John the Baptist’s call to transformation and conversion as a way of preparing for this joy.

Mary’s Fiat: The Joy of Saying “Yes” to God

In the Gospels, especially Luke 1:26-45, we see Mary’s journey of joy unfold. At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s response to God’s call—her “yes”—is a source of joy not only for herself but for all humanity. Through her obedience, Mary became the vessel through which God brought salvation

. Mary teaches us that true joy comes from surrendering to God’s will, even when the path is uncertain. Her visitation to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45) shows the joy that overflows when we share God’s blessings with others. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth reminds us that joy is contagious—it multiplies when we live in faith and communion with one another.

John the Baptist's Call to Transformation and Joy

?In Luke 3:10-18, John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance, transformation, and hope. When asked, “What should we do?” he calls the people to share what they have, act with justice, and live lives of integrity. John’s words challenge us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming through conversion and to serve others selflessly. John reminds us that joy is not about material possessions or external success but a life rooted in truth, justice, and love. When we turn away from sin and align our lives with God’s will, we open our hearts to the joy of His presence.

The Acronym: GAUDETE

To help us reflect on this week’s readings and theme of joy, let us meditate on the acronym GAUDETE, which beautifully captures the messages of the Lord:

???????? G – Give to others in need, as John the Baptist calls us to share what we have (Luke 3:10-11).

???????? A – Align your life with God’s will, as Mary did in her “yes” at the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38).

???????? U – Understand God’s promises and trust in His faithfulness, as shown in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17).

???????? D – Discern your role in God’s plan and respond with humility and obedience, as Joseph did in accepting Mary and Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25).

???????? E – Encounter the joy of God’s presence in moments of faith and communion, like Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).

???????? T – Transform your heart through repentance, as John the Baptist calls for conversion (Luke 3:10-18).

???????? E – Embrace the joy of the Lord, for He is near and brings peace, salvation, and hope (Luke 1:5-25).

A Prayer for Joy

Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice in Your nearness and the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Fill our hearts with the joy that comes from knowing You and trusting in Your promises. Help us to share this joy with others through our words and actions. Like Mary, may we say “yes” to Your will and become vessels of Your peace and love. Transform our hearts, Lord, and prepare us for the coming of Your Son. Amen.

Final Reflection

The Lord is near, and His presence brings us lasting joy. Through Mary’s trust and John the Baptist’s call to transformation, we are reminded that joy comes from living in alignment with God’s will and sharing His love with others. May this joy nourish your body and soul, and may it overflow into the lives of those around you. Rejoice in the Lord always, for He is with us!

You can experience true joy when you do your missions for Jesus, Others, and Yourself

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Ms. Cherry, Acronym LADY (Loving Advocate of Divine Yearning)