Happy Gaudete Sunday! Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice, and this Sunday takes it’s name from the opening words of the Entrance Antiphon for the Mass. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! Indeed, the Lord is near.”

Our readings this Sunday are filled with hope, joy, and the anticipation that something great is about to happen. On one level, this “something great” is the celebration of Christmas in just a couple of weeks. On another level, though, the anticipation we have is for something far greater than we could ever imagine. John the Baptist reminds us of this when he speaks of the one who comes after him baptizing believers with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John’s preaching does leave us with a question, though: How are we supposed to live in order to be ready to receive this baptism of the Holy Spirit? John’s answer to this question is a continuation of his message to prepare the way of the Lord. He gives specific groups of people specific advice on what they should do. The interesting thing is that all of his answers pertain to relationships with other people. The words of John the Baptist are a reminder to us all that showing care and concern for our neighbour is an essential part of the Christian Life.

Since March of 2020, we have been asked to do many things to care for our neighbour. We have been asked to wear masks, to practice physical distancing, to limit close contacts with others, and to receive the COVID vaccine to limit our risk of serious illness. Pope Francis and Bishop Fabbro have both echoed these words in their calls for the faithful to continue to follow public health measures.

We have been blessed that there have not been any cases of COVID spreading in our Churches, but now is not the time to let our guard down. The rising case counts in our region are a reminder that we are not out of the woods yet. It is my hope that we all can continue to follow the rules regarding physical distancing and wearing of masks in church, so that we can avoid any further lockdowns or restrictions.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Steven Huber, CSB