On this third Sunday of the Advent season, Gaudete Sunday, we are encouraged to rejoice. Maybe “encouraged” isn’t strong enough, but “obliged” seems too heavy-handed. We are exhorted to shout and sing by the prophet Zephaniah, urged to exult and give thanks by the psalmist, and practically begged to rejoice by Saint Paul, who insists on saying it twice. Why this imperative? Remember, it’s not an emotion that’s required of us nor a simple attitude adjustment either.
What’s obliged is an acknowledgment that we believe as we say we do. If we believe judgment has been removed, sins forgiven, divine compassion offered, and love between God and us renewed—well, wouldn’t we crack a smile at least? Even God is so happy that we’re back together again that God sings joyfully over the idea, as heartily as one sings at festivals. If God’s happy about it, shouldn’t we be, too?