Advent: Rejoicing in the Lord Always

 3rd Sunday of Advent: November 11, 2022

Readings: Isaiah 35:1–6, 10; Psalm 146:6–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11

(St John the Baptist is visited by the two)
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Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. The word "gaudete" comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," and it is the first word of the entrance antiphon of the Mass: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). As we light the pink candle on our Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy and hope that comes with the birth of Jesus. In a world filled with darkness and despair, we have a reason to be joyful and hopeful. 

1. Be the people of joy

This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday because it is a time for us to rejoice and be glad, for the coming of the Lord is near. We are now halfway through Advent, and the anticipation of Christmas is growing stronger. But Advent is also a time for us to reflect on our own lives and how we are preparing for the coming of Christ. Are we living lives that reflect His light and love? Are we sharing that light with others and bringing them closer to Him? This is a time when we reflect on the words of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of the coming of the Messiah and the hope and joy that he brings to all who believe in him.

But why should we rejoice? What is there to be glad about in a world that is often filled with sorrow and suffering? The answer is simple: we rejoice because God is with us.  It is the assurance that no matter what challenges we may face, Christ is always with us and will never abandon us. As we nurture hope within ourselves, we can find the strength and courage to face any obstacle that comes our way.  

2. Preparing the way of the Lord without ceasing

In our first reading from Isaiah (Isaiah 35:1–6, 10), we hear of the coming of a great highway, a path that will be clear and smooth, leading to the kingdom of God. This highway is not just a physical road, but also a spiritual path, one that leads us closer to God and to a deeper understanding of his love and mercy. This is a path of transformation, one that will restore us to our true selves, and allow us to experience the fullness of life that God has intended for us. This is the reason for our joy and our rejoicing: because God is with us, and he has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit. This is the Good News that we are called to proclaim to the world: that God is with us, and he has come to save us. But this path is not always easy. 

3. St John the Baptist, a prophet with a difference

As we continue our journey through Advent, we hear the words of John the Baptist in today's Gospel from Matthew 11:2–11. John, who was known for his austere and demanding lifestyle, is now in prison and unsure of what is to come and begins to doubt whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. He is struggling to understand the nature of Jesus and his mission. He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one who is to come, or if they should wait for another.  In response, Jesus tells John's followers to go and report back to him all that they have seen and heard, reminding them of the many signs and wonders that have been performed in Jesus' name.

This passage reminds us of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. John the Baptist, who was once so confident in his beliefs, now finds himself questioning them. But even in his moments of doubt, Jesus reminds him of the truth and encourages him to keep the faith. In our own lives, we may also experience moments of doubt or uncertainty. It is easy to become distracted by the noise and chaos of the world around us and to lose sight of the truth of God's love and presence in our lives. But just as Jesus encouraged John, he also encourages us to hold fast to our faith and to trust in him.

4. God's accompaniment in our lives

As we enter the third week of Advent, we are called to reflect on the coming of Jesus and the joy that His birth brings to our lives. This joy is not just a feeling, but a deep-seated assurance that God is with us and that He loves us unconditionally. During this season of Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This preparation involves more than just setting up a Nativity scene or buying gifts for our loved ones. It requires us to take a good look at our lives and to ask ourselves if we are truly ready to receive Jesus. In fact, Jesus encourages us to slow down, to pause, to observe, to perceive, to discern, and most of all, to see . . . to really see.

One way to do this is to examine our hearts and to root out any feelings of hatred, bitterness, or resentment, slumber, apathy, ignorance, selfishness, complacency and dullness that may be preventing us from fully experiencing the joy of the season. This may require us to forgive those who have wronged us, to seek reconciliation with those we have hurt, and to let go of any grudges or resentments that are weighing us down. Another way to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ is to focus on serving others. 

During this season, we are called to be like John the Baptist, who was a voice crying out in the wilderness, urging people to repent and to turn back to God. We too can be a voice for love and compassion in a world that often seems filled with division and strife. We can reach out to those who are lonely or in need, and offer them the support and encouragement they need to make it through the holiday season. So let us use this Advent season to examine our lives and seek the Lord's guidance in making the necessary changes. Let us open our hearts and minds to His presence, and let His light shine within us so that we may be ready to welcome Him with joy when He comes.

Questions for reflections

1. How can I be a person of joy in this time when there is so much dullness and strife around me?
2. In what ways, Jesus is inspiring you to be a person of joy?
3. Have you been a person of joy for others?

Prayer:

Oh, God, You come to save us. You keep faith forever. You secure justice for the oppressed, give food to the hungry, set captives free. Hear my plea. Lord bless this time of Advent giving me and all those who are around me your infinite joy and peace. When we are troubled give us courage to find the right solutions, when we are discouraged give us find strength in you. May the peace and joy of Christ fill our hearts and may his light guid us on our journey of faith. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

December 09, 2022