Episode 1707: What is the real meaning of Joy?

Latin word "gaudete," which means "rejoice."
So as we light the 3rd candle on our advent wreath which is the color Rose instead of like the other purple candles what does it signify?
There are a few key things to understand about Gaudete Sunday:Show more

Theme: While Advent is traditionally a time of reflection and preparation for Christ's birth, Gaudete Sunday serves as a joyous interruption. It marks the turning point of Advent, emphasizing the nearness of Christmas and the coming celebration.

Liturgical elements: Several features of Gaudete Sunday reflect this theme of joy:

Rose or pink vestments: Unlike the purple used throughout most of Advent, rose or pink vestments are worn by clergy on Gaudete Sunday, symbolizing joy and the anticipation of Christmas.

Rose candle: In Advent wreaths, the third candle, traditionally purple, is replaced with a rose or pink candle on Gaudete Sunday.

Readings and music: The Mass readings and music chosen for Gaudete Sunday also focus on themes of joy and anticipation.

Counterpart to Laetare Sunday: Gaudete Sunday has a counterpart in the fourth Sunday of Advent, called Laetare Sunday, which follows a similar tradition of celebrating the approaching festivities.

Significance: Gaudete Sunday serves as a reminder that, even amidst reflection and preparation, there is space for joy and anticipation as we enter the final days leading up to Christmas. It's a moment to embrace the excitement of the season and celebrate the promise of Christ's coming.

Okay so not let's discuss what does Joy really mean?
In the Catholic Church, joy holds a central place as a fundamental fruit of the Holy Spirit and a core aspect of the Christian life. Here are some key ways the Church describes and understands joy:

Gift of the Holy Spirit: Joy is listed as one of the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, alongside virtues like love, peace, and patience. This signifies that joy isn't just a fleeting emotion, but a deeper spiritual gift bestowed by God's grace working within us.

Fruit of Faith and Relationship with God: True joy, according to Catholic teaching, isn't rooted in external circumstances or temporary pleasures. It stems from faith in God, trust in His goodness, and the knowledge of His love for us. This creates a profound inner joy that can persist even amidst challenges and difficulties.

Expression of Gratitude and Praise: Joy manifests itself in gratitude for God's blessings and praise for His acts. The Church encourages expressing joy through prayer, worship, and service to others. It's seen as a natural response to recognizing God's presence and His work in our lives.

Sign of Hope and Strength: True Christian joy isn't simply happiness or euphoria. It's a deeper sense of peace and assurance that transcends circumstances. This unwavering joy is seen as a sign of hope and strength, even in the face of suffering or adversity.

Sharing Joy with Others: Joy is meant to be shared, not hoarded. Catholics are called to be witnesses to God's joy and bring it into the world. This can be done through acts of kindness, compassion, and service, radiating God's love to others.

Beyond Earthly Pleasures: Catholic teaching distinguishes between fleeting earthly pleasures and true spiritual joy. While enjoying good things and celebrating life's blessings is encouraged, ultimate joy comes from seeking God and aligning our lives with His will.

It's important to note that within the vast and diverse Catholic tradition, there may be nuanced perspectives and interpretations of joy. However, the core emphasis on joy as a gift from God, a fruit of faith, and a foundation for a meaningful life remains consistent.

So back to St Paul’s statement “Count it all Joy”.
Well St Paul never actually said that. St James said that

James 1:2-4 states:
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
But why do they attribute that to St Paul? Because he wrote extensively about it.
Paul frequently writes about joy in the face of hardships (e.g., Philippians 1:18-21, 2 Corinthians 6:10),

Philippians 1:18-21:
"18 What then? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached and proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will result in my deliverance through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 For I eagerly expect and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
In this passage, Paul expresses joy despite his circumstances (being imprisoned). He finds joy in the fact that Christ is being preached, regardless of the motivations behind it (v. 18). He is confident that God will work through his situation for good (v. 19) and that Christ will be glorified through him (v. 20). This joy comes from his deep love and commitment to Christ (v. 21).

2 Corinthians 6:10:
"10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything."

Here, Paul uses a paradox to describe his experience as a Christian. He feels sorrow because of the suffering he and other believers endure, but he also experiences constant joy because of his relationship with Christ. He may be materially poor, but he feels spiritually rich because of God's blessings. He may seem to have nothing, but he truly possesses everything that matters in life. This passage shows that true Christian joy is not dependent on our external circumstances, but on our inner relationship with God.
So, its easy for us to be joyful when everything is going well or when the outcomes in our lives are happening perfectly as we expected or plan for but real joy is suffering with Faith, Hope, Peace and Trust when things are difficult, Now that’s true joy