Going to church on Sunday, I am always welcomed by the nice drum beats and joy of the choir’s music and dances that move me into the experience of prayer. Today, Gaudete Sunday invites us to focus on joy, the joy that only Christ and God can give. We now need to center our lives on him who brings authentic joy to our hearts, homes, communities, and relationships. So as we light the third candle of joy, let us reflect on how we can receive and share the joy of Christ’s coming with others.

In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah encourages the Jewish people that they will bloom with abundant flowers. Silent tongues will be loosed to sing songs of joy and freedom. Those with weak knees will walk themselves to Zion. Fearful hearts will look to the future with faith, hope, and courage, while sorrow and sighing will be on the run.

In the second reading, we are encouraged by St. James to be patient until the Lord’s coming. Patience is a fruit of God’s Spirit. We seek the ways of the Spirit to cultivate patience in us, since every moment of God’s patience is a chance for repentance. As we witness to Jesus’s patience, we are transformed into his likeness by the Spirit.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to share what they see and hear. Advent is a time when Jesus brings joy and transformation, deepening our love, mercy, forgiveness, and humble service. As Blessed Basile Moreau said, zeal can bring others knowledge of God’s salvation; let us share the joy, grace, and mercy we receive with others to show them the way to salvation.

So today, with all the earth, let us shout for joy to the Lord. The most anticipated season is at hand. We pray that as we prepare for the Lord’s coming, singing Maranatha, Jesus may fill us with his joy and help us to share it with others, making him known, loved, and served. Amen.

This week’s reflection was written by Ms. Teddy Nabugo, who has served with the Vocations Office in the Province of East Africa since 2014. She began this ministry after earning her Master of Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University. Supporting Holy Cross in East Africa in promoting vocations has brought her great joy. Meeting and accompanying young men aspiring to religious life and seeing them begin formation has always inspired her. Ms. Nabugo recently began serving as Provincial Assistant - Admin, a role in which she assists the Provincial Superior, Provincial Steward, and Director of Vocations in daily operations support.