3rd Sunday of Advent

The 3rd Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice.” This Sunday reminds us that joy is part of waiting for Jesus. In one Gospel, John the Baptist tells people to prepare by living rightly. He says to share, be honest, and treat others fairly. Another year shows John in prison, asking if Jesus is the one to come. Jesus answers by pointing to His works—healing, giving sight, and bringing good news.

This Sunday also reminds us to be patient and strong. James tells us to wait like a farmer waits for crops to grow. God is near, even if we don’t see everything yet. We are called to live with joy, trust, and hope. The 3rd Sunday of Advent reminds us that Jesus is coming soon, and we should get ready with open hearts.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
3rd Sunday of Advent Year B
3rd Sunday of Advent Year C

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 35:1-6A, 10: The desert will bloom and rejoice. God will strengthen the weak and bring justice. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the saved will enter Zion with joy.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: The Lord is faithful, brings justice, feeds the hungry, frees captives, and gives sight to the blind. He supports the fatherless and widows, and reigns forever.
• Second Reading – James 5:7-10: Be patient for the Lord’s coming, like a farmer waiting for crops. Strengthen your hearts, avoid complaining, and follow the example of patient prophets.
• Gospel – Matthew 11:2-11: John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one to come. Jesus affirmed his works. He praised John as the greatest prophet, yet less than the least in heaven.

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11: Anointed by God, I am sent to bring hope to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. Clothed in salvation, I joyfully await God’s justice to flourish globally.
• Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: My soul magnifies the Lord, rejoicing in God my Savior. He has blessed me, His humble servant, and shown mercy across generations, fulfilling His promise with compassion.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24: Rejoice always, pray ceaselessly, and give thanks in all situations. Embrace the Spirit, discern truth, and avoid evil. May God sanctify you wholly for Christ’s return, fulfilling His promise.
• Gospel – John 1:6-8, 19-28: Sent by God, John the Baptist testified to the coming Light, making clear he was not the Christ, Elijah, nor the Prophet. Questioned by Jewish leaders, he identified himself as the voice prophesied by Isaiah, preparing the way for the Lord. Despite his significant role, John humbly acknowledged the greater one to follow, whose sandals he felt unworthy to untie.

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18A: God has removed your punishment and is with you, bringing joy and renewal. Rejoice and do not fear, for He delights in you.
• Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6: God is my savior, giving me confidence and strength. I will joyfully draw from the springs of salvation and proclaim His great deeds to all nations.
• Second Reading – Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. Be kind and do not worry. Pray with gratitude, and God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
• Gospel – Luke 3:10-18: John the Baptist told the crowds to share with those in need, collect only what is required, and be honest. He announced someone greater, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of Scripture. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass that contains selected readings from the Bible. These readings are chosen to match the Church year. Each Sunday, including the 3rd Sunday of Advent, has specific readings to help people focus on God’s message for that time. The Lectionary does not include every verse of the Bible, only the passages used during Mass.

The Lectionary follows a set pattern. Sundays use a three-year cycle: Year A, Year B, and Year C. Each year focuses on a different Gospel. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. The Gospel of John is often used during Lent and Easter. The readings used at Mass in the United States come from the New American Bible. This helps Catholics hear the same Scripture passages no matter where they attend Mass, including on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 3rd Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” The color of the candle is rose instead of purple. This Sunday is about joy because the coming of Jesus is near. We are not done waiting, but we are getting close.

In one Gospel, people ask John the Baptist what they should do. He tells them to share what they have and treat others fairly. This shows that joy is not just a feeling. It comes from doing what is right and good.

In another year, John is in prison and asks if Jesus is the one to come. Jesus points to His works—healing, helping the poor, and bringing hope. These signs show that God’s plan is moving forward, even when things are hard.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent reminds us to be patient and stay hopeful. God is near. Joy is not far away.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent calls us to rejoice and reflect. Look at the readings. What brings you joy right now? What is still hard?

Take time to think and pray. Then, share your thoughts in the comment section.