It’s the Third Sunday of Advent, you observe the Church light a rose-colored candle in the Advent wreath and as well, the priest dons rose-colored vestments. Rejoice, it’s Gaudete Sunday!
Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. This particular Sunday in the season is associated with the rose color that symbolizes joy in the celebration of being with Jesus again in His coming.
Rather than pink, the color associated with Gaudete Sunday is actually the color rose. While the rest of the season is symbolized by purple’s penitential color, this bright hued color symbolizes joy in the midst of waiting in Advent’s season of penance.
Saint Paul said to the Philippians in his epistle, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. … The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4–5) Indeed the Lord is coming and He is near, these words of Saint Paul serve as a hopeful joy that assures the faithful in their contrite waiting for Jesus. As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, let us be reminded of the reason of our celebration. May we be joyfully assured of the coming of Jesus as we faithfully wait for Him in this season of Advent.
References:
Why “Gaudete Sunday” is important to revive our sense of joy: https://aleteia.org/2020/12/13/why-gaudete-sunday-is-important-to-revive-our-sense-of-joy/
Gaudete Sunday – ‘It’s not pink, it’s rose!’: https://www.english.op.org/godzdogz/gaudete-sunday-its-not-pink-its-rose/#:~:text=Gaudete%20Sunday%2C%20the%20day%20when,is%20interrupted%20for%20a%20day.
