“Gaudete in Domino semper”
“Rejoice in the Lord always”
The opening sentence of Scripture from the Roman Rite gives this Sunday its name: Gaudete Sunday. The mid-point of Advent is past and so the Church looks forward with increased hope for the coming of Jesus. Traditionally rose coloured vestments are worn today.
The Gospel, however, sounds stern. John the Baptist calls the people who come out to hear him a “Brood of vipers” and warns them of the coming wrath. We are to be ready to meet Jesus with pure hearts and motives.