3rd Sunday of Advent

The 3rd Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, means “rejoice.” We pause to celebrate being halfway through Advent, with hope and joy as our salvation draws near. This Sunday reminds us to reflect on our faith and truly believe in Jesus as our Savior. It’s a perfect time to discuss the Incarnation, considering why God became man and its significance for us. Jesus’ coming offers new life and hope, inviting us to embrace His presence fully. As we prepare our hearts, we’re called to rejoice in the promise of salvation and the love Christ brings to the world.

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 (Gaudete Sunday)

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 (Gaudete Sunday)

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 (Gaudete Sunday)

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.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

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