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3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Sunday December 17, 2028

Joy Grows in the Waiting

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” This Sunday reminds us that even while we wait, we can be joyful. Advent is a time of hope and preparation. But this week, we pause to smile, sing, and take heart.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A are full of life. Isaiah tells us the desert will bloom. James encourages us to wait with patience. Jesus reminds us of the signs that God’s kingdom is near. These words give strength to those who are tired or uncertain.

This Sunday points us toward joy. Not because everything is perfect, but because Jesus is near. His coming brings healing, justice, and peace. Even now, we can see signs of that in the world.

As Advent moves forward, this Sunday helps us refocus. We do not wait alone. We wait with hope. And we wait with joy.

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

  • 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.

Lectionary Reference: 7

The readings above are for lectionary cycle A. For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Advent Year B
3rd Sunday of Advent Year C

The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

Matthew 11:5

Themes for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, is a time of joyful anticipation. The readings focus on hope, patience, and recognizing God’s presence among us.

  • Joy in God’s Promise: The readings show that God’s promise brings joy. Isaiah speaks of the desert blooming, and Jesus points to His works as signs of God’s presence.
  • Patience in Waiting: James calls for patience as we wait for the Lord. Like a farmer waiting for crops, we must trust that God’s timing is perfect.
  • Hope for Healing: Isaiah promises healing for the blind, the deaf, and the lame. Jesus’ miracles in the Gospel show that He fulfills this promise.
  • The Lord is Near: The nearness of God brings hope. Jesus reminds John’s disciples that He is the one they are waiting for.
  • Signs of the Messiah: Jesus points to His works as signs of the Messiah. The miracles He performs fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah.
  • Encouragement in Trials: James encourages us to stay strong through challenges. Like the prophets, we are called to endure with hope and patience.

Gaudete Sunday reminds us that our waiting is filled with joy and hope. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we trust in God’s promises and His perfect timing.

Resources for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Seeing Jesus Around Us Lesson Plan

This lesson helps youth recognize how Jesus is present in their everyday lives. Using the story of John the Baptist from Matthew 11:2-11, it shows that Jesus answers doubt not with words, but with signs of love, healing, and hope.

This lesson encourages teens to look for Jesus in quiet moments and simple acts of kindness. It helps them see that faith is not just about church, but about how we live each day. It gives space for honest questions and helps build trust in Jesus.

See the lesson plan here.

Resources and Lesson Plans for Advent

Advent, especially on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, is a time of joyful preparation for Christmas and the second coming of Christ. We prepare our hearts through prayer and acts of charity, which bring us closer to God and help us show love to others. This season encourages us to deepen our faith and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. A few ideas are listed below. For more insights and ideas on how to observe Advent, see here.

The Book of Isaiah: A Joyful Desert

The reading from Isaiah for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A comes from a section focused on hope and renewal. In Isaiah 35, the prophet speaks of a future where God’s healing restores what was broken. The desert, often a place of hardship, becomes a place of life and joy. This points to God’s power to bring new life where none seemed possible.

Isaiah often speaks of justice and God’s promise to save His people. This passage reminds us that salvation includes healing, strength for the weak, and joy for the sorrowful. The reading connects to Advent by turning our eyes toward the future coming of the Lord, when all things will be made right.

Read more about this vision in the Book of Isaiah.

Psalm 146: The God Who Lifts Up

Psalm 146, read on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, praises the Lord for His ongoing care for those in need. The psalm lists ways God helps the poor, the blind, and the brokenhearted. These are not just acts of kindness—they are signs of God’s justice and His reign that never ends.

This psalm fits into the larger theme of trust in God rather than in human rulers. The psalms often remind us that God’s care is constant and faithful. In Advent, we wait for the coming King who shows that same care in His works and mercy.

Find more insights in our reflection on Psalm 146.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 146.

The Letter of James: Waiting with Patience

The letter of James often speaks about how faith must shape our actions. In this reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, James calls the Christian community to be patient and strong. Waiting for the Lord means choosing hope instead of grumbling and frustration. Like farmers, we trust that the harvest will come in time.

James also points to the prophets as examples. They trusted God even when things were hard. This ties into one of the book’s main themes—living a life that shows our trust in God. In Advent, this message reminds us that faith is not passive. It is patient, active, and grounded in hope.

Explore more on the message of the Letter of James.

The Gospel of Matthew: Are You the One?

Matthew’s Gospel often highlights how Jesus fulfills the hopes and promises found in the Old Testament. On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, we hear about John the Baptist sending messengers to Jesus. Jesus points to His works—the blind see, the deaf hear—as signs that God’s kingdom is here.

This fits with Matthew’s focus on Jesus as the promised Messiah. John is honored, but Jesus makes it clear that something greater is now happening. The passage helps us see that the coming of Christ changes everything, and those who recognize it are truly blessed.

Dig deeper in our guide to the Gospel of Matthew.

Homilies and Reflections for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Waiting Well: Praise While We Wait

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares that the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A invites us to slow down. He explains how this season often feels rushed and crowded with pressure, yet God calls us to patience. Fr. Mike says that when we hurry, we often send the message that we are not where we want to be. But Scripture reminds us to wait with trust. St. James urges us to be patient, like a farmer who understands that every season has its purpose.

Fr. Mike also talks about choosing praise instead of complaint. He points to the witness of saints and to St. Paul praising God even in prison. Praise does not deny pain. It is a choice to trust God in the middle of it. On this 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to let patience and praise shape our hearts so we can wait well and find joy in the in-between moments.

Waiting in Action

Bishop Barron reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by showing that waiting for the Lord is never passive. He uses the image from James of a farmer who endures winter rain, not as pointless suffering, but as part of growth. Bishop Barron explains that our own hard times can prepare our hearts to receive Christ. He urges us to keep our hearts steady through prayer and to stay focused on God rather than fall into jealousy or complaint.

He also reminds us that every prophet and saint faced trials, yet they grew through patient trust. Waiting for the Lord should make us ready for action, not stuck or discouraged. Bishop Barron points to Isaiah’s call to strengthen weak hands and knees. Advent becomes a time to stand firm, stay hopeful, and live with joyful expectation as we look for the Lord’s coming.

Advent Becoming

Katy Beedle Rice reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by inviting us to sit with the prophets, who listened closely to God before speaking words of hope. She explains that Isaiah’s message came from a people who felt lost and afraid, yet he still urged them to trust that God was near. His words show a God who brings life where it seems impossible and gives strength to hearts that feel weak.

She shares how children connect with Advent through quiet wonder, especially when they see Mary waiting for Jesus to be born. This watching and waiting point to a deeper call. Advent becomes a time for each of us to grow into the person God invites us to be. Katy Beedle Rice reminds us that this becoming can be hard, but God stays close, giving courage for every small step of faith.

A Slow, Unseen Promise

Pray As You Go invites us into the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by reflecting on James 5:7-10 and the call to patient hope. The reflection uses the image of a quiet winter field to show how waiting can feel empty, yet God is still at work beneath the surface. It asks where we long for God to move and reminds us that early and late rains do come. Even slow change can hold hidden promise.

The reflection also speaks to the weariness many people feel. It reminds us that God’s presence rests on us like gentle rain, steady and calm. Waiting is not wasted time. It can shape the heart and help us trust more deeply. Pray As You Go encourages us to strengthen our hearts, let go of grumbling, and watch for small glimpses of hope as we keep calling out, Come, Lord Jesus.

Music: selene by Adi Goldstein, Be Still the Earth and Waiting For The Dawn by Salt of the Sound

A Joy That Draws Us Forward

Joe Ertle, SJ, reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by reminding us that Isaiah’s words call us to real joy. He acknowledges that life brings sorrow, fear, and discouragement, yet these moments do not have the final word. God promises joy that lasts. Isaiah paints a picture of deserts blooming and the weak gaining strength. Joe invites us to trust that God is coming close and bringing hope into places that feel empty.

He also encourages us to look to John the Baptist as a guide. John pointed others toward Jesus with clarity and joy. Joe Ertle, SJ, says we are invited to do the same. Sharing hope strengthens our own hearts. Advent becomes a time to believe that Christ is near and to let that truth lift our spirits. Rejoicing becomes an act of faith that helps us walk with confidence toward the Lord who saves.

Is Your House in Order?

Allen Hunt reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by using the story of selling a house to show how hard it is to stay ready for an unexpected guest. He links this to Scrooge, who ignored the state of his life until the spirits forced him to face the truth. Hunt explains that John the Baptist plays a similar role for God’s people. John calls everyone to wake up, repent, and live with compassion because the King is drawing near.

Hunt says real repentance brings real change. A person who prepares for Christ learns to share, act with kindness, and live with honesty. Advent becomes a time to examine the clutter in our hearts and clear away anger, selfishness, and fear. Allen Hunt encourages us to clean our spiritual house with purpose, not guilt, so we can welcome Jesus with joy when he comes.

Advent Signs Of Hope

Fr. Greg Friedman reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A by noting how Advent slows us down in a world rushing toward Christmas. He explains that John the Baptist appears again, now unsure if Jesus is the Messiah he expected. Jesus answers by pointing to the signs around him: the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear good news. These acts echo Isaiah’s promise that God will come to save and turn sorrow into joy.

Fr. Friedman also reminds us that many people struggle during this season, even when the world around them seems cheerful. He says the real signs of Christ come through people who listen with care, help the burdened, and show kindness to those in need. When believers act with compassion, they become part of God’s healing work. Their presence becomes Emmanuel, God with us, breaking into places that feel dark or heavy.

The Authenticity of Christ

In his reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, Jeff Cavins explores the theme of authenticity. He reflects on how John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the Messiah and how Jesus answered by pointing to His works—healing the blind, the lame, and the deaf. Cavins emphasizes that true Christian authenticity is shown not just in what we believe but in what we do. He encourages us to prepare for the coming of Jesus by living out our faith through actions that reflect love and service.

Here is Your God

In his reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, Scott Hahn emphasizes the courage and patience we need as we await the Lord’s coming. He reflects on John the Baptist’s question from prison, highlighting that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah. Hahn encourages us to find strength in the Liturgy, which reminds us of God’s marvelous works. He calls us to follow the example of John and the prophets, who trusted in God’s promises even in difficult times, and to come to Jesus with joy and thanksgiving.

More Homilies and Reflections for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

What You Hear and See (Bishop Robert Barron)

More Thoughts for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, we are invited to experience the joy of knowing that Jesus is the Messiah. The readings guide us to recognize the signs of His presence, to find joy even in waiting, and to embrace the call to patience and trust. As we continue our Advent journey, these reflections help us to focus on the ways God is at work in our lives.

Recognizing the Signs of the Savior

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, we focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus is the Messiah. When John the Baptist was in prison, he wanted to be sure that Jesus was the one he had been waiting for. So, he sent his followers to ask Jesus directly. Jesus didn’t give a long explanation; instead, He pointed to His works. The blind see, the lame walk, and the deaf hear. These signs were not just random miracles; they were the fulfillment of the prophecies in Isaiah.

Isaiah had spoken about a time when God would come to save His people, bringing healing and new life. Jesus’ miracles were proof that this time had arrived. By healing the sick and giving sight to the blind, Jesus showed that He was the one Isaiah had spoken about. This was good news, not just for the people of that time, but for all of us.

Gaudete Sunday is a reminder to look at the signs of God’s presence in our own lives. Just as Jesus pointed to His works as signs of the Messiah, we too can see God’s work around us. When we witness acts of kindness, healing, or forgiveness, we are seeing the same signs that Jesus spoke of. This fills us with joy and hope as we continue our Advent journey, knowing that God is truly with us.

Finding Joy in Waiting

Gaudete Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, reminds us that even in a time of waiting, there is room for joy. Advent is a season when we wait for the coming of Jesus, and that waiting can sometimes feel long and challenging. But James in the second reading tells us to be patient, like a farmer waiting for his crops. As we prepare for Christmas, it’s important to pause and remember what we are waiting for: the arrival of our Savior.

John the Baptist had been waiting for the Messiah. Even though he was in prison, he still had hope and wanted to know if Jesus was truly the one he had been waiting for. Jesus’ answer to John’s messengers is simple—look at the signs. The blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk. These are the very signs Isaiah spoke about long ago. Jesus is the fulfillment of those promises, bringing healing and hope to a weary world.

This 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, we are invited to find joy in the knowledge that Jesus is our Savior. He comes to bring light into our darkness and healing to our brokenness. As we continue our Advent journey, let us be patient and joyful, trusting that the Lord is near and that His promises are being fulfilled.

The Call to Patience and Trust

Gaudete Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, is a time to rejoice, but it also reminds us to be patient. The reading from James encourages us to be patient, just like farmers who wait for their crops to grow. This patience is not passive; it is active and filled with trust. Waiting for the Lord requires us to stay strong, even when we don’t see immediate results.

John the Baptist shows this patience as he waits for the Messiah. Even from prison, John continues to seek the truth, sending his followers to ask Jesus if He is the one they have been waiting for. This shows John’s faith and trust, even in difficult circumstances. He does not give up hope but remains patient, trusting that God’s plan will unfold in the right time.

On this 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, we are reminded that patience is part of our journey of faith. Like John and the farmers in James’ letter, we are called to trust in God’s timing. This patience does not mean we sit idle; instead, we remain hopeful and active in our faith, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot see it. As we wait for the coming of Christ, we do so with joyful anticipation, trusting that the Lord will fulfill His promises.

As we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, let us open our hearts to the joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as our Savior. May we trust in God’s timing, find hope in His works, and rejoice in His promises. As we prepare for Christmas, may our faith be strengthened, and our joy be full.

Prayer

Lord, help us to see the signs of Your presence in our lives. Give us patience as we wait for You and fill our hearts with joy as we trust in Your promises. May we find hope in Your works and remain faithful in our journey toward Christmas. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

  • How can you recognize the signs of God’s presence in your daily life?
  • What brings you joy during the season of Advent?
  • In what ways do you struggle with patience in your spiritual journey?
  • How can you actively wait for the Lord with trust and hope?
  • What do Jesus’ miracles teach you about His role as the Messiah?
  • How does John the Baptist’s patience inspire you in your own faith?
  • What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God’s timing?
  • How can you bring joy to others during this Advent season?
  • In what ways do you see God’s promises being fulfilled in your life?
  • How can you prepare your heart for Christmas in the remaining days of Advent?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Are You the One?

Bring Gaudete Sunday to life with this vibrant image for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A. It reflects the question asked by John the Baptist and the joy of recognizing Christ at work. Perfect for parish bulletins, newsletters, or Advent reflections.

Download now and share the hope and joy of the season with your community.

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Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.

Music Suggestions for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

The music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday focus on themes of joy, patience, and hope. Some songs encourage us to rejoice in the coming of the Messiah, reminding us of the joyful anticipation that marks this Sunday. Others help us reflect on the importance of patience and trust as we wait for the Lord’s arrival. Many of these songs also call us to recognize the signs of God’s presence in our lives and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections, allowing the themes of Gaudete Sunday to guide their choices. Consider how these songs can enhance the worship experience and invite the congregation to join in joyful anticipation. Feel free to try these selections and share your own recommendations in the comments.

Questions and Answers for 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

Why is Gaudete Sunday special?

Gaudete Sunday is special because it is a day of joy in the middle of Advent. The Church encourages us to rejoice as we get closer to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

What does the desert blooming mean in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday?

The desert blooming in Isaiah shows that God brings new life where there was once dryness and sadness. In our lives, this means that God can bring hope and joy even in difficult times.

How can I be patient like James says in the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday?

Being patient like James teaches us to trust in God’s timing. In our lives, this means waiting with faith and hope, even when it’s hard to see how things will work out.

Why does James talk about farmers?

James talks about farmers to show how waiting takes time and patience. In our lives, we can learn to be patient and trust that God will bring good things in His time.

What do the miracles in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A show?

The miracles in the Gospel show that Jesus is the Messiah, the one sent by God. In our lives, this means looking for signs of God’s work around us and trusting in Jesus’ power to help us.

What does it mean that the Lord is near?

The Lord being near means that God is close to us and cares for us. In our lives, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always with us, especially during difficult times.

How can I find joy in this season?

We can find joy on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday by remembering God’s promises and looking for His presence in our lives. Focusing on the good things God has done helps us stay joyful.

How do these readings prepare us for Christmas?

The readings for 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday prepare us for Christmas by reminding us to rejoice, be patient, and recognize God’s work in our lives. They help us get ready to welcome Jesus with joy.

What should I focus on during Gaudete Sunday?

During Gaudete Sunday, focus on joy, patience, and hope. These are key themes in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, and they help us prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.

What if I don’t feel joyful?

If you don’t feel joyful on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday, ask God to help you see His blessings. Sometimes joy comes from noticing the small ways God is at work in your life.

Joyful Waiting for the Savior

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A, known as Gaudete Sunday, invites us to rejoice as we wait for Jesus. The readings remind us that God’s promises bring hope and joy. Isaiah speaks of deserts blooming and the weak gaining strength, showing that God’s salvation is near.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist asks if Jesus is the one they have been waiting for. Jesus points to His works—healing the blind, the deaf, and the lame—as signs of the Messiah. These miracles fulfill Isaiah’s prophecies, proving that Jesus is truly the Savior.

James encourages patience while waiting for the Lord, like a farmer waiting for crops. This patience is active and filled with hope, reminding us to trust in God’s timing. We are called to strengthen our hearts and live in joyful anticipation of Christ’s coming.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A teaches us to wait with joy, hope, and patience. It reminds us that Jesus is near and that God’s promises are being fulfilled. As we prepare for Christmas, we rejoice in the good news that our Savior is coming.

Your Turn

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A invites us to reflect on the joy and hope of Christ’s coming. The readings remind us to be patient and to look for signs of God’s presence in our lives. By focusing on these messages, we can prepare our hearts for Christmas.

Consider how these readings speak to you. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your insights can inspire others on their Advent journey. Let us wait together with joy and hope, trusting in God’s promises.

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