Gaudete Sunday

 

This Sunday we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. It is a time to celebrate the hope that Christmas will bring to us in a little more than one week. Our readings today give us a sense of hope and joy.

I was reminded of a poem by Emily Dickinson about hope. It reminds me of what we are called to each day – to be people of hope and joy. May this poem rekindle the notion that joy will always win out in the end.

Hope is the thing with feathers by Emily Dickinson

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

 

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.