Gaudete Runday

I love the Third Sunday of Advent. Here we are in what’s supposed to be a preparatory, penitential season, and all of sudden the Church says, “Hold on. This is too exciting — Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming! Hooray! Rejoice! Priests can wear pink rose! Woo-hoo!”

Just for a day. Then on Monday, it’s back to penitence once again. But we’ve had a taste. We know what glories lie just around the corner.

Alas, this “Third Runday of Advent” will, for yours truly, not be a Runday, which is kind of a shame. But the family calendar is just too full: After Mass, some friends are coming over for brunch. Then we’re getting the tree. Then we’re decorating the tree. And the house. And putting up the lights.

Still, it may be for the best. I was planning on running 15 miles today, which at this point in my training, is probably much more penitential than joyful. It may be more in keeping with the spirit of the day if I take it easy. Who knows, if I get lucky, maybe I can get in a shorty sometime this afternoon. That would be a joy. (I tried to get in my 15 yesterday amid torrential rains, but gave up after 5 miles when the puddles got too big for me to jump over, and my running pants got so waterlogged that they started to fall down.)

Anyway, have a wonderful Gaudete Sunday, everyone, and may the rest of your Advent be filled with blessings!