In her reflection on the first reading for the Third Sunday of Advent, Leonie Caldecott welcomes the warming flame of Rose Sunday

Gaudete Sunday brings a strange counterpoint between joy and imprecation. In the first reading we find ourselves in a triumphalist mosh pit of lockdown escapees. “Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel, shout aloud!” (Zephaniah 3:14). A victorious warrior is coming to steady our traumatised limbs. Gaudete in Domino semper!

Meanwhile, out there by the murmuring Jordan, the Baptist is in full personal trainer mode, reminding us of the urgent need to act soberly and justly. Not to have our eyes on the main chance, but to share nicely; to take no more than our due. Not to treat necks like footrests. It’s not exactly rocket science.