Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice, the Lord Is Near “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” What are we to make of this Sunday—commonly known as Gaudete Sunday—from the words of the entrance antiphon? Today is supposed to be a day of joy. In fact, St. Paul’s words are written as a command, not as an option. That should strike us as odd. I would posit that, among our many