Father Dom's homily for Gaudate Sunday.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice.

On the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church commands us to do something radical: rejoice, not later, not when life gets easier, but now. In this episode, Fr. Dom breaks open what true Christian joy actually is and why it matters for Catholic men who are fighting daily battles in their homes, their minds, and their souls.

This is not sentimental joy. This is not shallow happiness. This is joy rooted in Jesus Christ, joy forged through hope and peace, joy that survives suffering, persecution, and the chaos of the world. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the saints, we walk through the Advent virtues of hope, peace, and joy and why gratitude is the weapon that crushes Satan every time.

Fr. Dom reflects on family, tradition, and memory, not for nostalgia’s sake, but to remind us what we are fighting for. Then we go deeper. Hope is not optimism. Peace is not comfort. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. These are theological realities planted in your soul at baptism and strengthened through the sacraments.

We confront the lie that joy is optional or reserved for the emotionally stable. If joy is missing, something is blocking it. That obstacle must be dragged into the light and surrendered to Christ. This episode ends with a direct challenge: give your heart back to God completely, tear down the idols that have crept in this year, and let Christ declare war on the darkness within you.

This is Advent lived like a Catholic man should live it: awake, disciplined, grateful, and ready.

3 Powerful Quotes from the Episode

“When we embrace deep gratitude, Satan can’t touch you. Praying in gratitude crushes Satan.”
“Hope is not optimism. It is a theological virtue planted in your soul at baptism.”
“Lord, invade my heart. Declare war on the darkness within me and bring light.”
1 Key Takeaway for Men

Today, make a deliberate act of gratitude to God for your salvation and the sacraments. Name it out loud. Gratitude clears anxiety, weakens temptation, and restores joy. This is not optional. It is spiritual warfare.

Push play. Rejoice. Then fight like a man who knows Christ is near.

Contact us directly:
themanlycatholic@gmail.com

Please *donate* here: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmc to help fund us for 2025!
Check out our website and subscribe - https://www.themanlycatholic.com/