The third Sunday of Advent is slightly special. The Advent Sundays usually stress repentance and conversion, but the 3rd Sunday is all about joy and happiness at the Lord’s coming. The colour of the vestments can be different at Mass – rose, and also the rose candle on the advent wreath is lit.
There were a lot of ‘religious’ people around in Jesus’ time but the only one he took seriously was John the Baptist. And this Sunday John, speaking to various professions, tells us that the best way to welcome Jesus is to do our jobs honestly and ethically. If we don’t get our everyday lives in order extraordinary religious gestures will be of little use. REJOICE!
