Join Father Charlie Bouchard for a powerful reflection on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday). As we light the rose-colored candle, we are reminded to look for joy, yet many of us are filled with questions.
In today’s Gospel, even John the Baptist asks Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come?" In this homily, Fr. Charlie draws a parallel between our modern political search for a "savior" to fix our problems and the ancient expectation of the Messiah. He explores how our anxieties about the future, our grief, and our family struggles often lead us to doubt.
Discover why theologian Paul Tillich argues that "doubt is not the opposite of faith," and learn how to let the Kingdom of God shape you during this holy season.
Key Themes:
The 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
John the Baptist’s doubt in prison
Political expectations vs. Spiritual reality
Finding peace amidst anxiety and uncertainty
🙏 Timestamps / Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction: The Third Sunday of Advent
0:24 - Searching for "The One" in Politics
1:35 - John the Baptist Asks: "Are You the Messiah?"
2:27 - Jesus: The Low-Key Savior vs. Great Fanfare
3:39 - A Reed in the Wind: Understanding True Strength
4:46 - Modern Anxieties: Grief, Illness, and Unrest
6:12 - Lesson 1: Letting the Kingdom Shape Us
7:12 - Lesson 2: Why Doubt is Essential to Faith
8:35 - Conclusion: Bringing Our Questions to God
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