Joyful, Thankful, Prayerful - Aligning our Identity with Christ

3rd Sunday of Advent: December 17, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 61:1–2, 10–11; Luke 1:46–50, 53–54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; John 1:6–8, 19–28

Prophet John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness
 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/lu6-oMD2ZMo

Every Third Sunday of Advent is celebrated as Gaudete [in Latin means Rejoice) Sunday. Amid the busy Advent season, the Church invites its people to be joyful, happy, and rejoicing. It is an invitation to celebrate life and work. Despite the weariness and tiredness of the whole year, as we try to complete works that have been due for a long time, still there is a possibility to enjoy life! Therefore, the liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to reflect on life beyond work and business, beyond running around and gasping for breath, as if that is the only purpose for which we live in this world! Jesus comes into our midst. He comes amid our busy lives. He shows us the way to God. Just like St. John the Baptist prepared the people of his time to receive the Messiah, Jesus brings God's abundance to us.

1. Embracing the good news wholeheartedly

In the Gospel of John, (John 1:6–8, 19–28) we encounter the figure of John the Baptist, a messenger sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Light. As we read through this passage, we see the profound significance of John's role in the unfolding narrative of salvation. John 1:6-8 speaks of a man sent from God, a witness to testify concerning the Light. As we await the celebration of Christ's birth during Advent, we are reminded that we too are called to be witnesses to the Light in a world often overshadowed by darkness. In the hustle and bustle of our rat-running race, we must ask ourselves: How can we bear witness to the true Light, Jesus Christ, amidst the distractions and materialism that can cloud our vision?

John the Baptist's humility is noteworthy. Despite his significant role, he acknowledges that he is not the Light but a witness to it. This humility challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we pointing others toward the true Light, or are we unintentionally drawing attention to ourselves? Advent is a season of preparation, not just for the celebration of Christ's first coming but also for His eventual return. Let our lives be a testimony to the Light that dispels all darkness.

2. Aligning our identity with that of Christ

In the later verses of today's Gospel, we see the religious leaders questioning John about his identity. When asked if he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, John responds with a resounding "I am not." In a world that often seeks protocols, titles, recognition, and prestige - both inside and outside the Church including religious life - John's humility and clarity about his role are a powerful lesson for us. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that our identity is not found in titles or positions, but in our relationship with Christ.

John's declaration that he is the voice of one calling in the wilderness to make straight the way for the Lord challenges us to examine the state of our hearts. Advent is a season of repentance and renewal, an opportunity to prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew. As we engage in the spiritual disciplines of the season, may we open ourselves to God's sanctifying work. The God who calls us is faithful, and we can trust that He will accomplish His purpose in us. 

3. Joyful, thankful, and prayerful

St Paul in his epistle 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  Advent is a season of joyful anticipation. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that may surround us, Paul encourages us to rejoice always. This joy is not rooted in our circumstances but in the unchanging reality of Christ's presence in our lives. As we light the Advent candles, let each flicker remind us to cultivate a spirit of continual joy, prayer, and gratitude. In the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, may we find moments to pause and give thanks, recognizing that God's will for us is anchored in the transformative power of Christ.

Advent invites us to be attentive to the movements of the Spirit in our lives. Paul's words remind us not to quench the Spirit, but rather to embrace the prophetic vision and discern wisely. In a world filled with distractions and noise, let the Spirit speak and guide us during this season of waiting. Let us open our hearts to the Spirit's guidance, holding on to what is good and rejecting that which leads us away from God. Let's allow God to transform us, and sanctify us.  So that this Advent season becomes a  roadmap to be joyful, discerning, and anticipating, anchored in the transformative power of Christ's presence and the faithful work of God in our lives.

A few questions for self-reflection

1. How do you perceive your own identity in the grand narrative of God's plan, considering the humility expressed by John the Baptist in claiming he is not the Light but a witness to it?
2. As you consider the busyness of the Advent season and the rush to complete tasks, how can you maintain a balance between the demands of daily life and the spiritual significance of this season?
3. While completing tasks and meeting deadlines, how often do you reflect on the deeper purpose of your life beyond work and material pursuits? What practices can help you cultivate this perspective during Advent?

Prayer based on today's responsorial: Mary's Magnificat: Luke 1:46–54

Gracious and Merciful God,

In the spirit of Mary's Magnificat, we bow before You with hearts overflowing with gratitude and humility. Lord, in our humility, we recognize the vastness of Your grace and mercy. You, the Almighty, gaze upon us in our lowliness and lift us up with Your boundless love. In awe of Your mighty deeds, we acknowledge Your mercy that spans across generations. Your love, O God, knows no bounds, and Your mercy is a gift that extends to all who seek You with reverence.

Lord, in this moment of prayer, we lift up our needs and desires to You. Just as You have filled the hungry with good things, fill our hearts with the abundance of Your love and grace. Help us to remember Your mercy, and may our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness to generations past and those yet to come. In gratitude and surrender, we offer this prayer, echoing the words of Mary, and placing our trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

December 15, 2023