Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2024
Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18
Viktor Frankl in his book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ narrates how one day in the concentration camp, the Gestapo ordered him to strip. He obediently did as directed and stood before his persecutors stark naked but with his head held high. The only possession of his person was his wedding band. Walking up to him, one of the guards grabbed his hand and forcibly pulled it off his finger. Viktor sheepishly submitted –he just had no alternative. But even as he suffered this shameful indignity, he said to himself, “You can take away my wife, you can take away my children, you can strip me of my clothes, but there is one thing no person can ever take from me –and that is my freedom to choose how I react to what happens to me!” That was Viktor Frankl’s resolute determination and that was the secret of his ultimate victory. In his own words: “Happiness is a choice which ultimately transforms our tragedies into triumphs.”- No one takes away our joy and happiness! It is our choice!
Rejoice! Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete
Sunday, invites us to pause in the midst of our Advent preparations and reflect
on the joy that is at the heart of our Christian faith. The liturgical colour
shifts from the deep purple of penance to the rose, symbolizing joy and light. The
readings for today all point us toward the profound and transformative joy that
comes from encountering the Lord. Let us explore how we can live this joy in
our daily lives, not as fleeting happiness but as an enduring gift rooted in
God’s love and promises.
“Rejoice in the Lord
Always”
In the second reading, St. Paul writes to the Philippians:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice” (Phil 4:4). This is
not merely a suggestion but a command. Paul’s words carry an urgency, reminding
us that joy is an integral part of our Christian witness. This command to
rejoice comes from someone who knew hardship and suffering, writing from
prison. Paul’s joy was not dependent on circumstances but on the unshakable
foundation of his relationship with Christ.
Our world often confuses joy with pleasure or happiness,
which are transient and tied to external situations. True Christian joy,
however, is rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and His unchanging love.
It is a joy that sustains us even in difficulties because it flows from our
trust in God’s providence and the hope of eternal life.
Joy in God’s Nearness
The prophet Zephaniah in today’s first reading offers an
exuberant call to rejoice: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O
Israel!”. He assures us that the Lord is in our midst, a mighty saviour who
delights in His people. This message, given during a time of turmoil for
Israel, highlights that joy comes from recognizing God’s presence in our lives.
Advent is a season that emphasizes the nearness of God. We
prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, the profound mystery of God becoming one
of us. This nearness is not confined to a historical event but continues in the
Eucharist, in Scripture, and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God’s
closeness is the source of our joy. When we feel overwhelmed or distant from
joy, we are invited to refocus on the truth of Emmanuel: God is with us.
Joy Through Generosity and Service
The Gospel today, from Luke, recounts John the Baptist’s
instructions to the crowd: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person
who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise” (Lk 3:11). John’s call
to repentance includes practical acts of charity and justice. This teaches us
that joy is not self-contained but grows when shared with others.
Generosity reflects the heart of God, who gives Himself
completely to us. When we give to others—whether through material goods, time,
or kindness—we participate in God’s love and experience the joy of self-giving.
This Advent, as we prepare for the ultimate gift of Christ, let us ask
ourselves: How can I bring joy to others? Who in my life needs encouragement,
assistance, or simply the presence of a listening ear?
Joy Despite Challenges
Advent is a time of anticipation, but it can also be a time
of longing and sorrow for many. For those who face loss, loneliness, or
hardship, the call to rejoice might feel difficult or even out of reach. Yet,
the joy we are called to in Advent does not deny pain; it transcends it. It is
a joy that acknowledges the brokenness of the world but holds fast to the hope
of redemption.
Pope Francis often speaks of joy as a hallmark of Christian
life. He reminds us that even amid trials, we are called to radiate the joy of
the Gospel. This joy is not a denial of suffering but a witness to the victory
of God’s love. In moments of struggle, we can turn to Mary, who embodies Advent
joy. Her Magnificat proclaims the greatness of the Lord, even as she faces
uncertainty and challenges.
Some Practical Steps to Cultivate Joy
Gratitude: Let us cultivate a habit of thanksgiving. Each
day, let us take time to reflect on the blessings in our life, big and small.
Gratitude opens our hearts to joy.
Prayer: Let us spend time in prayer, especially reflecting
on God’s promises. Encountering God in prayer fills us with peace and joy.
Acts of Kindness: Let us reach out to someone in need.
Simple gestures of love can bring immense joy to both the giver and the
receiver.
Simplicity: Let us avoid the distractions of materialism
that often overshadow this season and focus on what truly matters:
relationships, faith, and love.
Hope: Let us keep your eyes fixed on the bigger picture of
God’s plan. Let us trust that even in difficulties, God is working for good.
On this Gaudete Sunday, we are reminded that joy is both a
gift and a calling. It is a gift because it comes from God, who delights in His
people and desires our ultimate happiness. It is a calling because we are
invited to live as witnesses of this joy, sharing it with a world that deeply
needs hope and light.
As we light the rose candle on our Advent wreaths, let it be
a symbol of the joy that Christ brings into our lives. Let us open our hearts
to this joy, allowing it to transform us and radiate through us to others.
Rejoice in the Lord always, and let this joy prepare us to welcome the Savior
with hearts full of gratitude and love.
Happy Sunday
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