Liturgical Study - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT — TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS (1962 MISSALE ROMANUM)
Gaudete Sunday
Theme: Joy in the Midst of Penitence Because the Lord Is Near
Readings <— Click Here
• Epistle: Philippians 4:4–7
• Gospel: John 1:19–28
1. The Liturgical Situation — Joy Bursting Through Penitence
The Third Sunday of Advent is the great paradox of the Traditional Rite.
Vestments turn rose.
The organ may play.
The Church bids her children rejoice in the midst of penance.
This paradox is not psychological — it is theological:
The Judge we fear is also the Savior who draws near.
2. The Epistle (Philippians 4:4–7) — Joy Rooted in the Nearness of the Lord
St. Paul issues the command twice for emphasis:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice.”
Joy is not optional.
Why?
“The Lord is near.”
Paul then gives three fruits of nearness:
• Gentleness.
• Freedom from anxiety.
• Peace that surpasses understanding.
This is not natural serenity — it is supernatural peace rooted in confidence that God has drawn close to His people.
3. The Gospel (John 1:19–28) — The Humble Herald of Joy
The Gospel presents the testimony of John the Baptist before the authorities.
He refuses all titles:
• Not the Christ.
• Not Elijah.
• Not the Prophet.
He is simply the voice preparing the way.
John’s humility is the gateway to Gaudete joy:
those who refuse to exalt themselves are free to rejoice in the One who comes after them.
The Messiah is already standing among the people — unrecognized by many, but joyfully proclaimed by the forerunner.
4. The Theological Unity of the Epistle and Gospel
Philippians commands joy because the Lord is near.
John’s Gospel reveals how near He already is — standing in their midst.
Together:
• Paul provides the interior disposition.
• John provides the historical revelation.
Gaudete joy is therefore not anticipation alone — it is recognition.
5. Patristic and Thomistic Illumination
St. Thomas teaches that spiritual joy arises from loving union with God (ST II–II, q.28).
Gaudete reveals that God is already approaching, making joy reasonable even during penance.
St. Augustine calls joy the “reverent delight in the presence of God,” a definition perfectly suited to John the Baptist beholding the Messiah at hand.
6. Interconnectedness and Doctrinal Consequence
The Traditional Rite places these texts together to insist:
• Christ is near.
• Therefore joy is rational.
• Therefore humility is essential.
• Therefore preparation must intensify, not lessen.
Gaudete is not relaxation — it is encouragement.
Penance continues, but now fortified by joy.
7. Practical Application — Joy as a Weapon Against Discouragement
The faithful are summoned to:
• Rejoice intentionally.
• Pray with confidence.
• Reject anxious self-reliance.
• Walk humbly like John.
• Prepare with renewed energy.
Gaudete joy is not denial of suffering — it is proclamation of victory already underway.
The Soul Rejoices Because the King Is at the Door
The Traditional Latin Mass does not offer cheap joy.
It offers joy founded upon the nearness of Christ and the certainty of salvation for the obedient.
The question is:
Does your soul rejoice at the nearness of Christ, or shrink from His approach?
Gaudete demands an answer — and strengthens the soul to give the right one.