Third Sunday Of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), Year C By Rev. Fr. Lucas Binnah Junior

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a /Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3.4.5-6 (R. 3) Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 /Gospel Acclamation: Luke 4:18 /Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

Theme: Rejoice in the Lord; Again, I Say Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

Today, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent which reveals the sign of the Messiah and how he is recognised. It is a day of joy, and for this reason, it is called Gaudete Sunday. In churches which have the Advent wreath, the pink candle is lit today to signify joy. We are and need to be joyful because we are expecting our Saviour who will free us from everything that seeks to empty us of our joy, peace and progress, be it sickness, sin, evil, disappointment, frustration or bondage. Joy in Greek is χαρα (chara), and it connotes a feeling of inner gladness, delight and happiness based on spiritual realities and independent of what happens. Fr. Anthony De Mello, S.J., says that happiness is an inside job. Thus, it does not depend on material things or places, for all of them will pass away. Nonetheless, it depends on the individual, and particularly, their relationship with Jesus, the Word that will never pass away! Why should we rejoice? Because the Lord is at hand (cf. Phil. 4:5). Many have lost their joy, and with that, their lustre, shine, self, meaning and reason for their existence. Disappointments, failures, sickness, delays, hurts and incessant problems drive joy away. We need not allow negativity to hijack our joy. We know that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and those who hope in the Lord shall have their strength renewed (Neh. 8:10, Is. 40:31). Joy is like water to fish, breast milk to a baby, nectar to insects and breath to humans. In place of the spirit of heaviness, God brings us a menu of joy through the rich liturgical readings of today.

In the first reading, Prophet Zephaniah brings a message of joy and happiness to the people of Israel. Particularly, he says: “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” (Zeph. 3:14). Why, should Zion rejoice? Because, “The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies” (Zeph. 3:15). As if this is not enough, he adds an encouraging note: “Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory…he will renew you in his love” (Zeph. 3:16-17). With these happenings, Isaiah puts into psalm the marvellous deeds of God who restores his people’s joy and thus chants: “Shout, and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Is. 12:6). He sings: “With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Is. 12:3). Dearly Beloved, this is God’s own promise to us!

In the second reading, St. Paul, even in prison, reemphasises the importance of joy in the daily life of a believer. Therefore, he exhorts: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). According to William Barclay, “Christian joy is independent of all things on earth because it has its source in the continual presence of Christ. The Christian can never lose his joy because he can never lose Christ.” In view of this, Paul gives an antidote to the sickness of worry and joy-sapping. He says: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6). Thus, prayer, a heart of intercession and a life of gratitude in all situations – good or bad – remain fitting remedies to unnecessary worry usually brought about by the vicissitudes of life. Rather than complain, pray. Instead of gossip, intercede for those who cause us pain, for those who suffer disappointments. When we pray in trust and obedience, we find peace.

y does not only affect a single individual. When one is worried, it affects the entire society. Knowing too well that worries lie at two basic levels: the level of the individual and the level of the society, John the Baptist gives us a solution for eradicating anxiety. He says: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise” (Lk. 3:11). To tax collectors and those who exploit and cheat others, John says: “collect no more than is appointed you” (Lk. 3:13). To soldiers and those who intimidate, molest and are governed by the philosophy of “might is right,” John says: “rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Lk. 3:14). It is all about justice – the spirit and not just the letter of the law! It is giving each person their due and faithfully discharging our duties to our neighbours. It is about being good and caring in whatever vocation or profession we find ourselves.

Finally, John maps out a life of humility and simplicity, when he refuses to usurp the place and position of Jesus, the expected Messiah. He does not dare to succumb to popular acclamation or cheap popularity. He resists being carried away with the euphoria of preaching successfully to the point of commanding a great crowd of people from diverse backgrounds some of which include tax collectors, soldiers and the common people. So often, leaders are carried away when they gather a large following. They begin to surround themselves with the air of self-importance which results in personal cult, pride, arrogance and power-drunkenness. Anxiety is the result when we begin to look for unnecessary attention, approval and ungodly ambition. John resists these temptations, and repudiates the inner drive to be what he is not. There is no pretence in him; he is simply himself, contented and peaceful. When John realises that people are taking him as the Christ, he tells them categorically and openly: “I baptise you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Lk. 3:16-17). How often do we assume positions not ours to our own detriment? John is neither jealous nor envious of Jesus even when he is told “the one who was with you across the Jordan, and to whom you bore witness, is now baptising and all are going to him” (Jn. 3:26). He is not, for he knows exactly his purpose and mission on earth. He says I am not the Christ. He knows he is just the fore-runner of Jesus and so he says: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (Jn. 1:23). Do we know our purpose on earth, our God-given vocation or worry ourselves with what is not ours? When we begin to try every trade, profession, fashion and craze, we lose our focus and invite angst, anxiety and stress.

In the world today, we spend our lives making money at the expense of our health. We sacrifice family and parenting on the altar of careerism. So, we give birth but do not have enough time for the children. We leave them with teachers and house-helps. We seek consolation in narcotics, unlawful sex and bad habits only to be hooked and enslaved by them. All these tendencies drain our joy. Nonetheless, today, God offers us joy again. He comes to restore us. Will we let God? He wants to give us a jubilee of joy, peace and harmony. Are we ready for them? Today is Gaudete Sunday. For a moment, let us consciously and willingly channel out all the negative energies and welcome the wind of change into our lives and homes. Perhaps, a genuine smile, consoling word, sincere apology, lovely gift, timely help, wonderful surprise, needed visit, welcoming demeanour, restful silence and an active and attentive presence, all packaged in and with love, will do the trick! Just try it! Can we put a smile on our own faces and those of others? Can we try our best to do God’s will today? Can we decide to be nice to all those we meet today? God has given us priceless joy; let us spread it all around us. Happy Gaudete Sunday! Remember to #Rejoice-In-The-Lord#