3rd Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

BE FILLED WITH JOY FOR THE LORD IS NEAR

Gaudete!  Rejoice!
On Advent Sunday, the liturgical emphasis shifts to a call for vigilance and awareness, urging believers to interpret the signs of the Lord’s imminent return as prophesied in eschatological frameworks. The preceding week focused on practical strategies for preparation; however, a significant tonal shift is marked today by the transition from the penitential color of purple to rose pink, fostering a more joyous atmosphere. This Sunday is thematically encapsulated in the term “Gaudete,” or Rejoice!

In his epistle to the Philippians, Saint Paul expresses a deep desire for the community to experience joy, emphasizing, “I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness.” This depiction may subvert the traditional perception of Paul as a rigid enforcer of moralistic codes. Nevertheless, his ability to maintain joy amidst systemic persecution and confinement highlights a profound theological foundation grounded in steadfast trust in Divine Providence.

This faith cultivates an intrinsic peace within him, which he extends to his audience, affirming, “There is no need to worry… that peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” The experience of such peace and joy is thereby framed as a universal vocation for Christians.

While peace can indeed be viewed as a divine gift, its attainment requires active engagement. The Catholic liturgical practices, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist, are foundational to this spiritual journey.

The assurance of Christ’s real presence at the altar, tabernacle, and during the reception of Holy Communion is paramount—underpinned by objective theological truths that extend beyond subjective personal experiences. The reality of Christ’s presence is substantiated by His promises and the sacramental priesthood instituted at the Last Supper, principles to which Saint Paul fervently adhered, as reflected in his various epistles.

Saint Paul’s quest for peace and joy is manifest in his holistic embrace of the Christian ethos. In the Gospel reading, the crowd poses the inquiry, “What must we do?” Jesus’ response intricately interlaces spiritual imperatives with practical directives. He urges his followers to respond to John’s exhortation for repentance and renewal, highlighting tangible expressions of faith through acts of charity, equitable remuneration, and the avoidance of injustice.

One might picture the crowd’s exasperation upon receiving this multifaceted response, interpreting the call to action as onerous. Conversely, Paul finds profound fulfillment and joy in his intensified commitment to service in Christ.

This distinction between saints and the laity reveals a noticeable divergence in perceptions of commitment to faith. For saints, such commitment yields joy and peace; in contrast, the less devout often perceive it as constraining. The crux of this phenomenon lies in the individual’s relationship with Christ.

Persistent pride and self-reliance can distort one’s perspective, leading to a superficial engagement with faith, relegating it to a mere “extra.” A total surrender of heart and mind to Christ enables one to view the world through a divine lens, cultivating a sense of joy in heeding divine callings. Paul exemplifies this principle, deriving peace and joy from his profound union with Christ.

In today’s Old Testament reading, the prophet Zephaniah further clarifies the theme of joy, urging, “Rejoice, exult with all your heart… the Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst.” He elaborates on the divine initiative, declaring that God actively rejoices over His people, revitalizing them with love and exuberance akin to celebratory festivities. This text affirms that Paul’s joy is a divine endowment, not merely a human construct. Despite the corrupting impact of sin, the entirety of human experience retains traces of God’s image.

Echoes of humanity’s primordial closeness to the Creator persist, suggesting that God remains the ultimate source of joy and peace. Therefore, embracing the spirit of Gaudete Sunday, as Paul encourages, is a pursuit accessible to all, not solely reliant on individual efforts.

Ultimately, both the prophet and the apostle convey that genuine rejoicing originates from God Himself. As God dwells within us, the foundational source of joy is intrinsically woven into our being from the moment of conception. As articulated by Isaiah, “Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Thus, the journey toward joy entails not only striving for it but also recognizing and nurturing the divine presence already within us.

Fr Joseph Osho