Today is Gaudete Sunday, the name being taken from the first words of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice’.

The verse from Philippians continues: ‘Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God’.

Today, the vestments are rose, and some Advent wreaths will have a rose-coloured candle lit on this day. Let us take to heart the words of the Apostle: ‘Have no anxiety about anything …’ Let us place all our hope and trust in Him, for He knows us and loves us.

May God bless you this day.