December 12. 3rd Sunday of Advent C. joy. This Sunday has always been known as Gaudete Sunday, which means joy. during this penitential time the priest wears pink instead of purple. But what is true joy? The readings of the day give a long list of experiences and actions.

“Sing aloud, o daughter of Zion, the Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has cast our your enemies. Zephaniah 3. Rejoice in the Lord always, have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:4-7. John the baptist preached the Good News, “he who has two coats, let him share with him who has none. Collect no more taxes than is appointed to you. “Soldiers, rob no one by violence or by false accusation and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:10-18. Pope Francis: If the world has a beginning and if it has been created, we must enquire who gave it this beginning and who was its creation. Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope. LS 244 .

For reflection and discussion. What is true joy? Is it having everything we want or being able to do everything we want, or the freedom to be able to share with others? It has also been said that “true joy is the result of making a decision to love,” in a marriage, in family, in all our actions towards others and the world of creation. All the suggestions above involve a decision, something that can be made daily.