On Gaudete Sunday, we light the rose candle on the Advent wreath and rejoice as our King and Savior draweth nigh.
If you pay attention to the order of service at the 11am Eucharist on Sunday, December 14, you’ll notice that it includes the Summary of the Law and the Comfortable Words. Why do these suddenly appear in the liturgy when, on typical Sunday mornings at Saint Thomas, they are not said? Because these words are indeed a comfort to all faithful who are penitent, and therefore are appropriate for this Sunday of joy and comfort in the midst of a penetential season. You’ll hear the same words said in Lent, on Laetare Sunday, which is the Lenten equivalent to Advent’s Gaudete.
The Summary of the Law
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40
The Comfortable Words
Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him.
Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Hear also what Saint Paul saith. This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
Hear also what Saint John saith. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:1-2
Worship Schedule for Sunday, December 14