What’s the difference between joy and happiness? One melts like ice cream; the other is rooted in eternity.
It’s Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, and the rose candle is lit! This week, Fr. Jerry Byrd joins All Set for Sunday to break open the theme of joy in Scripture and life. Spoiler: it’s not about wearing Pepto Bismol-colored vestments.
Here’s what’s in store in this joyful episode:
-
Isaiah 35 paints a jubilant picture of the desert bursting into bloom, reminding us that God is coming with healing and vindication. "The blind shall see... the lame leap like a stag" (Isaiah 35:5–6).
-
James 5 urges patience and perseverance, calling us to strengthen our hearts and stop the grumbling. This is a message every family needs during the busy season!
-
Matthew 11, John the Baptist asks if Jesus is the one to come. Jesus responds not with a yes or no, but with evidence of transformation: the blind see, the deaf hear, the poor receive good news.
Fr. Byrd reflects beautifully on how joy is deeper than happiness. Happiness is fleeting, like eating your favorite ice cream. But joy? Joy is knowing that ice cream exists, even if you don’t have it right now. It’s hope grounded in the eternal presence of Christ.
He challenges us to:
-
Build a simple rule of life rooted in daily prayer
-
Foster family routines of blessing and intentional prayer
-
Understand joy as the fruit of deep communion with Christ, especially in suffering
🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode:
🎧 Spotify
🧦 Product Spotlight: Our Lady of Guadalupe Socks
Celebrate her feast this week with socks that honor the Mother of Joy herself. Mary’s “yes” made the joy of salvation possible.
