Week 3 - Sunday
Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday
AN ADVENT PRAYER
They watch for Christ
who are sensitive, eager, apprehensive in mind,
who are awake, alive, quick-sighted, zealous in honoring Him,
who look for Him in all that happens,
and who would not be surprised,
who would not be over-agitated or overwhelmed,
if they found that He was coming at once…
This then is to watch:
to be detached from what is present,
and to live in what is unseen;
to live in the thought of Christ as He came once,
and as He will come again;
to desire His second coming,
from our affectionate and grateful remembrance of His first.
Venerable John Henry Newman, (1801-1890)
Scripture Reflection:
The "O" Antiphons:
Come, Wisdom of our God Most High (O Sapientia)
"Come, Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with
power and love:
teach us to walk in the paths of knoweldge."
The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil. The "O" Antiphons have been called a "very unique work of art and a special ornament of the pre-Christmas liturgy."
Advent Opportunities:
Rejoice!
Today is a special day of rejoicing, prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings in our lives. We light the third, rose colored candle on our Advent wreath. Click here to learn more about the origins of Gaudete Sunday at Catholic Encyclopedia. Let today be a day of joy and celebration in our homes as we move closer to our celebration of the birth of our Savior.
