SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 12, 2010-Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Philipp. 4, 4-7
Gospel: Ioann. I, 19-28
Visit MoLatinMass.com to view the weekly bulletin.
Pot-luck dinner immediately following Mass Sunday, December 12th.
Mass schedule December 13th through December 17th
Monday —Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr—NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday —Feria of Advent
Wednesday —Ember Wednesday
Thursday —Saint Eusebius, Bishop & Martyr
Friday —Ember Friday
The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete comes from the Latin verb gaudere (to rejoice). It is an imperative plural form of the verb. In other words, we are commanded to rejoice! As we anticipate the greatest event in the whole history of the world, namely the Incarnation, we are to do so with great joy! We also look to the joy that is yet to come. As we continue with the penitential nature of the Advent season, Gaudete Sunday gives us a brief rest as we focus on our hope Christ offers at His coming into the world.
Advent is about not only the Incarnation, but Christ’s second coming as well. Unfortunately, for many that day will be a day of terror. Christ is coming to judge and He will do so without mercy. This is what we are anticipating with our penance. We want to be prepared and make Christ’s second coming a day of joyful anticipation rather than one of fear. All will bend their knees at the second coming of Christ. Many who knowingly reject Christ will do so in terror. But this is not what God wants for us.
Let us rejoice today at the wonderful works God has wrought for us in the person of His Son! Let us look forward with joyful hope to Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
