The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. ‘Gaudete’ is a Latin word that translates to ‘rejoice’ in English, but sometimes it may seem as though there is little to be rejoicing or joyful about.

‘The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.’ – Isaiah 35:1-2

Joy can feel superficial or even inappropriate in the face of the world’s problems. But Isaiah reminds us here how vital it is. Joy brings resilience; it plants hope, it is water in the desert and renewal after winter has passed. Its power lies in its unexpected arrival: like a flower which blooms in the desert.

Thank you for joining us each week for our Mission Rosary – Missio’s beautiful way to pray for the world.