ADVENT OF THE GREATER JOY.

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December 15, 2024.
Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday – C.

Readings: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk3:10-18.

“Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” (Zep 3:14) “Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again:  rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

A Spanish proverb says: “Every season brings its joy.” Another Spanish proverb adds: “Unshared joy is an unlighted candle.”

Advent is a time of preparation and commemoration of the three coming of the Lord; the already, the daily, and the yet to come at the end of time. This journey of the Advent requires great hope from us. Thus, the first Advent candle symbolizes. Our Advent expectation calls us also to be instruments of peace; peace with ourselves, peace with others, and peace in our surroundings. Therefore, our second Advent candle, because, the one who is coming is the Prince of Peace.

We are today in the Gaudete Sunday, or Sunday of Joy. At his coming, not only will the Lord give us to be at peace, but we will also experience a joy without similar, a joy that will take away all our sorrows and pains. Advent is a time for preparation for that greater joy. Advent is a journey in joy. The joy of the Advent is because we know the Lord will come. He won't delay or betray our expectations and hopes.

The readings of this third Sunday of Advent are overflowing with messages of rejoicing. Advent is a season of joy because it is a preparation for Christmas which is the greatest time for joy in the world. This Advent is also a time of decision about whether we are going to commit ourselves to Christ or not. A question springs from the heart and mouth of people to the Advent Prophet, “What should we do?” What should we do to get ready for the Lord who is near? What should we do to enter into his joy?

The first and second readings sing it loudly and this song is re-echoed by the Psalmist: "Shout for joy...", "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" and "Cry out with joy and gladness..." John the Baptist, in the Gospel, shows the way for the people to enter that joy.

To the people of Israel who were mourning, despairing, and sorrowful, the Lord says: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully... Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed the judgment against you he has turned away your enemies..."

No more room for sadness and sorrows... joy in the heart at the salvation brought by the Lord. He announces the restoration of his people. The Canticle of Isaiah reechoes that joy when he speaks of the coming of the Messiah: "Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel." He announces to the people of God, but also to you and me that God, the Great and Holy One of Israel is among us. Christmas is the time when we celebrate that divine mystery, the Emmanuel, God among us. At his coming, he will bring great confidence and take away all that keeps his people in fear and darkness. There will no longer be room for anxiety, fear, oppression, or sorrow.

Our joy in this third Sunday of Advent grows bigger when Paul tells the Philippians: "The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God..." The Apostle speaks of the coming in glory of the Lord, and he gives the assurance that it is near.

If the first Advent brought joy and restoration to Israel; if the second Advent brings us every day a reason to live and be joyous, the third and final Advent will bring greater joy. It will be the time of all fulfillment. So, awaiting that glorious time, the Apostle insists, "Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!"

What then should we do to enter and experience such joy? That was the question the people put to John the Baptist. And he answered: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”

Joy, like love, should be shared. We are urged this coming Christmas to become instruments of joy for others. That is, to give them a reason to be happy.

One beautiful thing I saw and experienced in the Philippines, when we reach Christmas time is the tradition of Gifts Giving and Gifts Exchange. This runs from September or especially November to January. People, associations, friends, parishioners, communities organize parties and they give Gifts to each other. The scoop is to share the joy of the Nativity of the Lord with others. We realize that the true meaning of Christmas is love and that this love must be shared in order to make others and each other happy.

May we make ours, this question of the people and the answer given by John: “What should we do?” “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise..." If you work in a public office or any money-related office, stop corruption, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." If you are a solder, police, or security officer, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Each of us has something he or she could do for the joy of the coming of the Messiah to be spread and shared. We are urged to proclaim joy by sharing good, avoiding injustice of all kinds, and not oppressing people. The Prince of Peace is coming, let us make others feel the joy of his coming. The Lord is near!

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