Third Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for December 13, 2009, the Third Sunday of Advent (cycle C).

Zephaniah 3: 14-18
Isaiah 12: 2-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Luke 3: 10-18

The theme for this Sunday's catechetical session is "Moral Conversion". You'll notice that the pink candle in the Advent wreath is lit today, and the traditional name of this Sunday is "Gaudete Sunday" (Latin, meaning 'rejoice'). There's a wisdom in this 'break' from the more quiet waiting of the rest of Advent... it's a way of encouraging us to keep at it, of remembering that what we're waiting for is a very good thing, something to celebrate!

• The first two readings exhort us to 'sing joyfully' and 'rejoice always'.... for what are you joyful today?
  
• In what way do John the Baptist's words in this Gospel prepare the way for Jesus' teachings?
  
• Where do you find hope for your faith journey in these readings?