Rejoice in the Lord!

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

Zep 3:14-18; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday as it announces the nearness of God’s coming. 

The readings of the week invite us to put on joy as we are gearing up with our preparations to meet with the Lord.  

The first reading is a passage on hope and joy for the people of Israel. While it announces the end of God’s judgement, it highlights the protective presence of God in the midst of His people. The saving presence of God takes away the fear of oppression or misfortune from their enemies for God’s people. In simple language of encouragement, the prophet invites the people to rejoice over God’s promise of peace and renewal. In the words of the prophet, Divine Kingship means ultimate restoration where God’s people will experience God’s care in full measure. The Gaudete Sunday is thus a message of joy for God’s people. 

Written in the context of Jesus’ imminent coming, the second reading resonates well with the content of the first reading. Paul encourages the Philippian community to rejoice in the Lord always because the coming of the Lord is near. He instructs the community to bring all their concerns to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, instead of reeling under anxiety. With the comforting presence of God, people will enjoy peace that transcends all understanding. Paul reiterates the nearness of God as the sole cause of joy for the community to dwell in peace and security. 

In the Gospel, we find Luke’s theme of universalism playing out in a very striking manner. It is important to note in the Gospel passage that it is not the religious leaders who ask, ‘What should we do?’ to amend their lives. Instead, the least expected people in society, like the tax collectors and soldiers, raise these questions to set their lives right. Luke shows these marginalized people in a favorable light to highlight their openness to embrace the Good News and transform their lives accordingly. Aligning with his theme of universalism, which is inclusive of the Gentiles, Luke will show tax collectors (Zacchaeus) and soldiers (the centurion) being open and responsive to the message of Jesus. From Luke’s narrative, we understand that those who responded to the message of John were the same people who responded to the message of Jesus as well. Through his positive portrayals of the Gentiles, Luke’s theme of reversal of expectations and God’s love for the despised are made explicit here. 

While the questions of change and transformation come from unlikely people, the answer provided by John to each group appears very unlikely because it does not dwell on the offering of sacrifices or the performance of ascetical practices like fasting. Rather, John’s injunctions are far more radical, revealing a selfless concern for the disadvantaged and the needy. In this sense, John preaches in advance what Jesus will preach later. 

The third part of the Gospel explains the difference between John and Jesus. The Gospel shows John confessing the superiority of Jesus. While John uses the purifying agent of water, Jesus will use the superior purifying and refining agents of the Holy Spirit and fire. In Acts 2, Luke shows how the fire of the Holy Spirit accomplishes its task in human beings. We witness John’s humility in his readiness to perform the work of a slave for Jesus by unfastening his sandal strap. 

In sum, the very presence of John the Baptist assuming the role of Jesus’ predecessor is the cause of joy in the Gospel. 

The Gaudete Sunday provides us with important insights for our reflection. 

The Nearness of God: What causes our joy? It is the nearness of God’s coming. And the days of preparation in anticipation of meeting our Good Lord leave us with joyful memories. At the same time, we need to remember that our waiting and preparation should not be shallow. In other words, welcoming the Lord transcends mere external preparation. We honor the Lord with the way we prepare ourselves to meet with him. 

Inclusive Salvation: As Luke points out through his universalism, the salvation that God brings us is inclusive of everyone regardless of any human-made differences. Hence, Christmas should be an occasion for us to break the walls of separation that divide us from our friends and neighbors. In this way, our union as God’s people gives joy not only to us but also to the Good Lord, whose intent is to unite hearts in love. 

Repentance and Change: When tax collectors and soldiers approach John the Baptist asking, ‘What should we do?’ his instruction is regarding the ethical seriousness that should mark their lives. For John, repentance and change are what God desires. It is later confirmed by Jesus when he said, ‘There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance’ (Lk 15:7). Meeting the Lord culminates in refining our lives. Turning a new leaf helps the betterment of the soul. 

Let us pray that our lives may be filled with the joy that only Jesus can give us. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar