A Poem for Gaudete Sunday

The third Sunday of Advent (or the sixth in our season this year) is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, which is the Latin word for Rejoice. It takes its name from the lectionary text for this day, Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always.” (1 Thess. 5:16) Whereas the traditional mood of Advent as a whole is penitential, like Lent, on Gaudete Sunday there is a break for rejoicing. In some places the old traditional colour of the season, purple, is lightened to pink to reflect the change in mood. This poem reflects the spirit of the day.

Gaudete
by Brad Reynolds
 
Because Christmas is almost here
Because dancing fits so well with music
Because inside baby clothes are miracles.
Gaudete
Because some people love you
Because of chocolate
Because pain does not last forever
Because Santa Claus is coming.
Gaudete
Because of laughter
Because there really are angels
Because your fingers fit your hands
Because forgiveness is yours for the asking
Because of children
Because of parents.
Gaudete
Because the blind see.
And the lame walk.
Gaudete
Because lepers are clean
And the deaf hear.
Gaudete
Because the dead will live again
And there is good news for the poor.
Gaudete
Because of Christmas
Because of Jesus
You rejoice.

Brad Reynolds, S.J., a photographer and artist in residence at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash., is also the author of several mystery novels. His poem was published in America: The National Catholic Weekly (December 11, 2006).

Photo by Nicolas Tissot on Unsplash