Gaudete Sunday in the midst of the Advent Season — like Laetare Sunday in the middle of the Lenten Season — commands us to rejoice. Both times of the year are somber and reflective. The altars and the priests are vested in the violet color of “vigilance and penitence. The “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” is not prayed at the Masses of the times. Yet we are commanded to be joyful in anticipation of the coming of the Savior. To answer the call of the Church, we should put aside (or at least moderate) our preoccupation with preparations for the holidays, and rather devote ourselves to prepare for the holy days. Keeping always in sight the true meaning of this “season for the soul” will enable us to focus on the coming Lord and Redeemer.