December 13, 2020

This Sunday we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, which is known as Gaudete Sunday.The title comes from the entrance antiphon for the Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” On this day, clergy can choose to wear rose as a sign that the light will soon penetrate the darkness.  Last year, during my homily I mentioned the reason why rose is the color used during the third Sunday of advent and the fourth Sunday of Lent, but I think I should remind you.  Think about the dawn; the sunrise.  As the sun begins to crest over the horizon, the darkness can be described as violet, or purple.  While the sun continues to rise, the golden light changes the violet into rose.  Rose is worn for this reason; as the Son, dawns or comes near, He dispels the darkness first adding his light to it, then overcoming it altogether. So rejoice!  Our preparations are almost at an end, and the Lord is near.

This week, on Dec. 17th, the Church begins using the “O Antiphons.”  The use of these antiphons can be traced back to as early as the fourth century.  These antiphons are used for the Magnificat in Evening Prayer for Dec. 17th through Dec. 23rd.  Most Catholics, who do not pray the Liturgy of the Hours, know the O Antiphons through the hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The verses of this great hymn are adaptations of the O Antiphons, the only difference is the antiphon for Dec. 23rd begins the hymn, calling upon Emmanuel. The images used come from Old Testament figures, or types.  Jesus is the fulfillment of these types, thus the promised messiah.  If you are interested in learning more about these antiphons, there is a lot of information available to you.  Just search the internet for “O Antiphons catholic,” and you will find more than you may want to know.

Although we are getting closer to our celebration, we are still called to maintain our vigilance, to keep preparing with hopeful anticipation.  How are you doing?  How has your advent been?  You still have time.  Let us pray for one another, that Christ may come into our lives, dispel the darkness, and make us his.  Then, when he comes again, in glory and majesty, we will be ready.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Matthew Capadano

Associate Pastor