Rose Sunday?

 Father Pothin's Reflection for December 11, 2016

“Gaudete” Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the calendar of the church year. The term is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” This Sunday is also called Rose Sunday, because it represents a lightening of the dark violet of the rest of the penitential season of Advent. The theme of the day expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration.. It is appropriate for the celebrant of the Mass to wear rose-colored vestments on this day instead of the deeper violet vestments that were typically used in Advent. This lightening has two points of significance. One is that of a greater light shining through the violet to reveal the rose tint signifying the coming of the Light, the other is a lightening of the mood, for which reason the Church has traditionally ascribed this Sunday to the quality of joy. The rose color expresses the joy of recognition, the recognition of the One who shines from beyond the veil of violet, who is the Messenger of the Light.

–Fr Pothin