Be hopeful and be joyful

Strong earthquake on a Saturday evening and bombing with many casualties on a Sunday morning. These incidents welcomed the First Sunday of Advent. But fear no more because this Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent which is also known as Gaudete Sunday.

In Latin, Gaudete means rejoice. The third candle in the Advent wreath which is rose-colored is lighted to remind us Catholics that God who loves us is still in-charge. We have to be hopeful and joyful as we await the coming of the Messiah into our hearts. This is the message of the Gaudete Sunday that we await for; His coming is not with fear regardless of the earthquakes, threats of violence, and feeling of uncertainty, but with tremendous joy.