Can you believe it's the Third Week of Advent already? Even as the days continue to darken, the liturgical colors of this weekend's Mass nevertheless 'brighten up' from violet to rose (purple to pink) as we celebrate Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday. The tone of the readings expresses this theme of rejoicing as daughter Zion sings for joy at the coming salvation of the Lord, and the people of Israel await the coming of the Christ with eager expectation and hope.