Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday
Zephaniah 3:14-18a - Philippians 4:4-7 - Luke 3:10-18
On Gaudete Sunday, the readings bring joy to the world, and those who listen and ponder them may receive an early Christmas gift. There appears to be a dearth of joy these days, and before the gospel is proclaimed, those gathered together are uplifted for a time.
This is an opportune moment to recall the song We Need A Little Christmas right this very minute, candles in the window, carols at the spinet…. Words from a composer who created something longed for: joy conjoined with experiences in real life. As we seek an authentic life of faith, the liturgy provides great images of joy.
The first from Zephaniah leads us to concentrate on the Lord in our midst, who rejoices over us and has the capacity to renew us in love. The response is to cry out with joy and gladness because God is our savior, our source of strength and courage.
St. Paul continues with his command to rejoice in the Lord always. Your kindness shall be known to all. Pause now to do some inner inspection because after the Alleluia, the mood shifts.
John the Baptist prepares the inhabitants for Jesus, as he is portrayed as the last of the great prophets, but certainly like those before him, not noted for being a man of joy. He is different and has attracted many who most likely believed he was credible. Maybe, like us, they became aware of the gap between who they were and who they should be. They ask: What should we do? They have the courage to present this to one who knows what they do for a livelihood, and perhaps the answer will not be one that brings comfort. These cheaters who robbed the public citizens, these soldiers who were extortionists who falsely accused and weren’t satisfied with their salaries, were going out on a very dangerous limb. They were not honest with themselves or with others. Moral integrity was not a hallmark of this group, and in examining our consciences, are we in need of changing our actions?
What is required of us to escape the winnowing fan described by John? Wheat has useless residue, and so have we. The produce of nature is not perfect, but it was created thusly. Our newborn bodies presented to the world were pleasing to God and all. How can we transform our minds and bodies to be acceptable to the Lord when receiving the Eucharist and celebrating the birth of Jesus as truly joyful and authentic followers of Christ?
What is required today and always is that we bring joy to the world.
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, OP
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