The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. It’s the day we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, representing a break from the penitence of the season. Considering that rejoicing is the theme of the day, it might seem odd that the Gospel reading focuses on repentance. But there’s a reason.

As the Gospel begins, John the Baptist had been preaching repentance for some time and people were beginning to respond. Some asked him what they should do. He didn’t hesitate to offer instructions.

He told members of the public to share food and clothing with those in need. He told tax collectors not to cheat and soldiers not to bully. And I’m sure he had plenty of counsel for people in other stations of life as well.

John was the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. His role was to connect all that came before — the commandments, the patriarchs, the prophets — with their fulfillment that was about to come in Jesus. Considering the ponderous body of laws (written and unwritten) that had built up over the centuries, one might have expected him to place heavy demands on those seeking repentance.

Instead, for each person, John connects their repentance with their relationships. It’s never about burnt offerings or wearing sackcloth. He doesn’t prescribe arcane rituals or distant pilgrimages. He goes right to the heart of the matter and tells them to treat others with kindness and compassion.

That God requires no greater demonstration of our repentance than that we live compassionately is indeed a cause for rejoicing! What could be more liberating?

Unbound is pleased to be a part of that liberation. Like John the Baptist in today’s Gospel, our sponsorship program focuses on relationships. In this case, it’s the relationship between sponsors and those they help. Over our 40 years, we’ve seen some amazing things come from those relationships.

We love because God first loved us, enough to become one of us. Christmas is the celebration of that act of solidarity, and Gaudete Sunday is a reminder that we’re getting closer to it. So rejoice!

Loving God, the Incarnation of your Son brought hope to the world. In becoming one with us, Jesus showed us the true potential and dignity of the human person. Help us to live up to that potential and honor that dignity within ourselves and others. We ask this in your most holy name. Amen.