Part 3 of the series, "Reclaim: Believing in Christ & Belonging.to His Church." Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday celebrates that Christmas is near. God is with us during every season of life. Joy is a result of having a vital relationship with God. This abiding confidence in God transcends the situational experiences of being happy or sad. That is why the Gospel reading, which begins with a strange question from John the Baptist, is appropriate for today (cf. Matthew 11:2-11). Even when life gets difficult, joy motivates us to offer praise and thanks to God. This includes the greatest offering, which is the Holy Mass. It is not a mere obligation to fulfill. It is a magnificent opportunity to worship that is fulfilling.