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Advent
Rejoice!
Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, stands apart as a moment of joyful anticipation, marked not only by the lighting of the rose-colored candle, but also by a distinct shift in tone—one most profoundly expressed through music. While much of Advent is characterized by quiet reflection, Gaudete Sunday offers a glimpse of the joy that awaits. For many—myself included—music becomes the vehicle through which this joy is felt, understood, and shared.
The very name “Gaudete” draws from the ancient introit Gaudete in Domino Semper—“Rejoice in the Lord Always.” Sung for centuries, this chant is grounded in scripture and serves as the musical heart of the day. Its melody is both contemplative and uplifting, inviting listeners to reflect deeply while awakening within them a quiet but unmistakable joy. In its simplicity, it recalls the nearness of Christ’s birth and the hope already taking root in the world.
Throughout the liturgy, music supports and amplifies the spiritual meaning of the day. Hymns for the day weave together themes of longing, hope, and celebration. Unlike the triumphant carols of Christmas, Advent music is often gentle, restrained, and meditative. However, on Gaudete Sunday, the tone subtly brightens. Harmonies lift upward. Tempos are brighter. Even instrumental preludes and psalm settings take on an air of joyful expectancy.
For me, music does more than accompany prayer—it helps to shape it. Music can soften the heart, clear space for wonder, and invites the soul into an experience of hope not merely as a concept, but as something deeply felt. On Gaudete Sunday, music becomes a threshold of sorts, drawing us from longing into joy and from waiting into readiness. Through music, we begin to welcome the Christ Child with hearts already rejoicing, prepared not only to witness His birth, but to receive Him fully—with gratitude, faith, and joy! Rejoice!
Doug Orzolek
Professor
Department of Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise
This Second Sunday of Advent presents us with a simple but urgent invitation: “Make straight His paths — repent and prepare for the Lord.” Advent is not only a waiting period — it is a call to movement, to change, and to preparation.
When Scripture urges us to make straight His paths, we are invited to examine our hearts honestly and gently. What stands in the way of Christ entering more fully into our lives? What habits, distractions, or attachments have formed obstacles or created detours between us and God?
Repentance during Advent is not meant to be only a feeling of remorse, but a renewal — a realignment of our focus and purpose back to Christ. John the Baptist reminds us that authentic repentance bears visible fruit: “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” Fruit implies action and transformation. It asks us not only to acknowledge our need for God, but to allow that acknowledgment to shape our choices, our priorities, and our daily actions.
Like the crowds who left their familiar surroundings and stepped into the wilderness to hear John, we too must be willing to enter the “wilderness” of our own hearts. In that quiet and sometimes uncomfortable space — away from noise, busyness, and other distractions— the path can be cleared. The rough patches can be smoothed. Space can be made for Christ to come.
This is the work of Advent: to prepare, to examine, to clear away what hinders, and to make room for the One who comes to save.
May this season lead us to renewal that is not surface-level but rooted deeply within. May our lives bear the fruits that reflect true conversion. And may we — as a community preparing together — make straight the paths that welcome Christ more fully into our hearts, our homes, our school, and our world.
Juan Schroeder, ’25
Operations & Supply Chain Managment
Every year the cycle of the liturgical calendar begins again. The readings and the theological themes revealed are utterly familiar. It’s Mary and Joseph; the Annunciations of the Angel Gabriel making surprising proposals for the gifts of a son- John the Baptist and Jesus; the joy of the Visitation moment between Mary and Elizabeth. In the popular imagination, these scenes can become sweet and sentimental. But this drama unfolds in the context of great volatility. and the action of God to come to us in the Incarnation is precisely to save humanity from its own path of self-destruction.
In fact, in the couple of weeks before Advent begins, the readings are always about the final judgement, the end times, the final struggle of powers and principalities, etc. In the end, all of these human efforts at domination and dehumanization, however, implode upon themselves. Evil does not win- the God of Love does!
It’s also the case that every year, we hear these same stories and celebrate these mysteries in the liturgy in the context of our current life experience and the surrounding dynamics of our relationships, both close to home and in the broader world.
We might have some sense of loss or breakdown or confusion in our own familial relationships, and therefore the liturgy itself and specifically the readings land in our hearts uniquely. God’s word speaks to us in a way that gives hope uniquely to our current reality.
This Sunday, when Isaiah makes the promise from God that the Lord’s house will be established on high, and that all swords shall be turned into plowshares, that word is meant for us as well.
And when Jesus admonishes his followers to stay ready for when the victory of God approaches, that is for us as well.
How do these promises land in your heart today, at this moment in history?
Fr. Chris Collins, SJ
Vice President for Mission
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Our full seasonal series includes eight reflections written by members of our St. Thomas community—simple invitations to pause, pray, and stay grounded throughout Advent and Christmas.
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We look forward to sharing this Advent journey with you.
As we enter the season of Advent, we’re invited into a time of hope, quiet preparation, and joyful expectation. These weeks leading up to Christmas offer a meaningful space to slow down, reflect, and open our hearts to the promise of Christ’s coming. We’re grateful to share several opportunities for prayer, community, and spiritual renewal across campus.
Seasonal Reflections
Throughout Advent and Christmas, Campus Ministry offers a series of eight short reflections delivered straight to your inbox. Written by members of our community, these reflections offer simple moments of grounding and prayer during a busy season.
This year, subscriptions follow a two-step process. After signing up, you’ll receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription—be sure to click that confirmation link to begin receiving the reflections.
We also welcome you to share the signup with alumni, family, and friends. It’s a great way for them to stay connected to the season and helps us rebuild our mailing list.
Sign up to receive the reflections or visit the Seasonal Reflections page to read them online.