3rd Sunday of Advent

In the days when we had Mass in Latin, today was known as Gaudete Sunday. That means “Be Joyful”. The Liturgy continues to communicate that theme of joy with rose colored vestments and readings telling us to rejoice. Zephaniah tells the Hebrews there is no further misfortune to fear. St. Paul tells the Philippians to dismiss all anxiety from their minds. St. John the Baptist says there is nothing to be afraid of.

               People flocked to listen to John the Baptist because he told them the truth, even though it involved criticism and challenge. The message of both the first reading and the Gospel is that God who saves draws close to us. When God is near, how do we react? Do we hesitate because of uncertainty or avoid because of fear? God comes to us out of love. God comes to us whether we are ready or not. Advent centers on expecting God to come.

               Our response to this coming maybe joy. As St. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” And, we can experience the nearness of God through the actions of others, nature, prayer or reflection. The smile of a friend, the listening of another, the presence of a loved one, the beauty of a sunset or the comfort of silence can reveal God. We may be able to “cry out with joy and gladness.”

               After this response of joy or gladness, we ask the question of the crowd to John the Baptist: “What should we do?” The response in the Gospel to variety of people, e.g., rich person, tax collector and soldier, is straight forward: be generous and honest, as well as just and fair to others, be conscious of who you are and what your responsibilities, and perform them with care and unselfishness.

               Each of us plays a variety of roles: We can serve others in these roles. Our challenge is to bring the good news “to the people” and to enable others to share the good news of a God who is near and cares for each person. Can you re call an experience of God’s presence that made you especially joyful. How did the experience change you? Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.