THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR C (GAUDETE SUNDAY)
Theme: Rejoice, again I say rejoice…
Table of the Word:
- Zephaniah 3:14-18a
- Philippians 4:4-7
- Luke 3:10-18
Reflection
Today being the third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of joy which is also referred to as “the shepherd candle.” Significantly this candle highlights the virtue of joy of the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The joy that the Magnificat projected when our Lady said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-47)
It is in the light of this, that todays reading brings to the doorstep of our hearts the message of joy, as we are anticipating the glorious coming of our Redeemer. The first reading taken from the prophecy of Zephaniah brings the tidings of joy as God promises to gather His people and bring them home. (cf. Zephaniah 3:14-18a). St. Paul in the second reading while addressing the Philippians Church encourages us to rejoice in the Lord with outburst gentleness (cf. Philippians 4:4-7). While the Gospel pericope gives an account of John the Baptist’s invitation to us to get set with adequate preparation for the coming of the Child Jesus through repentance and baptism so that our joy which the Psalmist acclaimed may be found among us (cf. Luke 3:10-18).
Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we are reflecting on the theme of joy on this third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) we are being invited to pause and reflect on: Firstly, what brings joy and hope in our lives? Secondly, how can we prepare my heart and mind for the coming of the Lord? Finally, what are some ways we can show gentleness and kindness to those around us?
As the central theme of this Sunday reflection suggest Joy as the hub or point of departure as we are in joyful waiting for the glorious return of the Messiah, the Pauline’s message in the second reading gives a swift account of what could be the answer to the above questions. It will be recalled that, St. Paul wrote this epistle while in prison that despite his difficult circumstances, he was still optimistic. A gentle reminder to each and everyone of us that, no matter what we are going through God’s hand is ever ready to hold us, and his heart continue to beat for our sake.
Theologically speaking, the concept of joy goes beyond immediate feelings of what we experience that gladdens our heart, but transcends to the level of hope that amidst tough life situation, there is prospect to overcome it because Christ Himself is handling the steering. As the Scripture suggests, the concept of joy which is "simchah" in Hebrew means which "gladness" or "rejoicing." In the Old Testament account, joy is often associated with the presence of God (cf. Psalm 16:11) and the experience of salvation (cf. Isaiah 25:9). And in the New Testament account, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22) and a characteristic of the Christian life (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:6). Jesus himself is described as the source of joy (cf. John 15:11) and the one who brings joy to those who follow him (cf. John 16:24).
However, dear people of God, as we await with joy our salvation from the shackles of this difficult moments we ought to be focused on God’s presence, keeping in mind that He is over all. There is also need to cultivate the habit of gratitude for all that He has done for us, not that we have merited them, but they are the product of God’s amazing grace. Also, let us practice joy in adversity, that is making a choice to rejoice in the Lord, even when the going is tough and life itself spells blue, for God is always in-charge (cf. Habakkuk 3:17-19).
In conclusion, let us make sincere effort to share our joy with one another, in words and action as St. Paul exhorted us (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). +May the Lord bless His words in our heart. Amen.
Let us pray
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation, and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who loves and reigns world without end. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 15122024
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