By Archbishop Fred Clary

On this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Holy Mother Church calls us to rejoice—not because the world is without trouble, but because the Lord is near. Like St. John the Baptist, we are summoned to prepare a place for Christ through humility, repentance, and fidelity, knowing that true joy is born when self decreases and Christ increases. Even in times of trial, uncertainty, and exile, the Church’s joy remains unshaken, for it rests not in earthly assurance but in the abiding presence of the Incarnate Word. As we await both the remembrance of His birth at Bethlehem and the glory of His return, we rejoice in hope, serve in charity, and prepare the manger of our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace.