Gaudete Sunday afternoon:Extract from A Reflection

"....as the eucalyptus and heather are added to my Advent arrangement, the pink and silvery-white will turn my mind again to the increasing joy and suggestion of light that feature strongly in today's liturgy. Advent gloom is beginning to lift. The whole Mass takes up the theme (of rejoicing). Isaiah prophesies future glory; the responsorial psalm is part of the 'Magnificat'; the second reading exhorts us to be happy at all times, to pray constantly and to respect prophecy; and in the Gospel we are shown John the Baptist as a lamp witnessing to the Light.

"The Divine Office enters into the glory and mystery of Christ's two Advents and includes a reading from St. Augustine of Hippo in which he meditates on the role of John the Baptist, who knows himself as a voice for the time and eventually knows Jesus as the Eternal Word whom he has heralded. John understands himself as the lamp prophesied by Isaiah and does not allow himself to be 'quenched by the wind of pride'. Those around him think he is the Christ, but it is as if he cries out to them and to us, 'My mission is to lead Christ into your hearts, but he will not come unless I prepare the way.' Later today the Office reminds us that from his prison cell John sends two of his followers to Jesus, asking him if he is the One. It is of comfort to know that before his death, John had his mission both confirmed and vindicated by the message Jesus sends back to him.

"Three candles will be lit after it has gone dark, (the violet ones from the two previous Sundays and a pink one for today). They will burn throughout the evening, representative of the Light for whom we wait. 'Gaudete' Sunday will draw towards its close with Vespers, the concluding prayer of which asks for happiness as our Advent preparation nears completion, and true joy in our celebration of Christmas. It always seems to be granted before the candles are blown out after Night Prayer. Whatever concerns may plague me, on this night, I have always felt a deep contentment and faith in God's Word, so soon to quench our thirst, so soon to bring us 'a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning' (Is.61:2)"

From 'Gardening with God: Light in Darkness' Copyright Jane Mossendew 2002