Advent III [C] Zep 3:14-18a; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

Today is called “Gaudete” Sunday because today’s Mass begins with the opening antiphon, “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”). That’s why today’s readings mention the word “joy” twelve times.

Advent is a time for joy, not only because we are anticipating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, but also because God is already in our midst.  Christian joy does not come from the absence of sorrow, pain or trouble, but from an awareness of the presence of Christ within our souls.

St. Paul echoes the same message of joy in the second reading, taken from his letter to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again, rejoice...  The Lord is in your midst…  Fear not… be not discouraged...  The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all…” 

We can only rejoice “always” if our joy is based on something that goes deeper than the passing pleasures of this world. What is that deeper thing? Salvation; friendship with God; something that never ends, and something no one can take away from us. That is the source of a Christian’s joy, and that is the gift Jesus brings us. The joy of Christ the Savior is different from the joys of the world in many ways.

True Christian joy doesn't wear out. This is because it comes from something that is alive: our relationship with Christ. This is why the Christmas tree is an evergreen tree. In winter, the other trees are leafless and dormant. But the evergreen tree is still green and fragrant. The evergreen symbolizes hope amid winter’s lifeless, cold, and dark days. That is why we use that a lot at Christmas.

In the gospel we hear John’s screaming voice. “Why are you not getting ready?” he yelled to the Hebrews. Why are you just standing there. Don't you see that your time is running out on you. You need to be preparing the way. Making the path straight. Go and get ready.

The reaction of the throngs who came out to hear John preach is electric. They were “filled with expectation.” They were so impressed by the presence and words of John the Baptist that they actually thought he was the promised Messiah, the Savior. But he clearly tells them that he is not even worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. But he taught them how to expect for the Messiah. His lesson is nothing new. He tells the crowds to share their food and clothing with the poor, to be honest in their business dealings and hard working in their jobs. He merely applies the Ten Commandments to the particular situations of his listeners. He reminds them of the value of justice and humility: we are not to take undue advantage of anyone, and we are to help those in need.

Thus by his teaching John warned the people of his time that the Messiah is here. So the people had no excuse for not having received any warning.

A state trooper once stopped a woman for going 15 miles an hour over the speed limit. After he handed her a ticket, she asked him, “Don’t you give out warnings?” “Yes, ma’am,” he replied. “They’re all up and down the road. They say, ‘Speed Limit 55.’”

John the Baptist’s warning comes to us during every advent. And that should trouble our conscience if we are not serious enough in our preparation.

What should we do in preparation for Christmas? This is the same question the Jews asked John. His answer, to them and to us, is the same: repent and reform your lives, and prayerfully wait for the Messiah. Our Blessed Mother, in her many apparitions, urgently calls us to more fervent prayer. Let us remember that the Mass is the most powerful of prayers. We must be a Eucharistic people, living and experiencing the presence of Jesus in our hearts. Let us remember that conversion is through Jesus, whom we encounter in the Sacraments. Regular Confession makes us strong and enables us to receive more grace in the Eucharist. Tomorrow we have our deanery penance service at St.Joe’s Coldspring at 7.00 pm. And on this Friday we have confession time available here from 6.00-8.00. And today before and during the opening of Jubilee year of Mercy celebration there will be opportunity to make confessions at the Cathedral too.

The Sacrament of Penance will be a key focus of the Year of Mercy. In his letter on the coming jubilee year, Pope Francis wrote that “it is important” that the pilgrimages to the Holy Door “be linked, first and foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy.”

Holy Doors become “doorways into holiness” for those who fulfill all the requirements for a plenary indulgence – which include an examination of conscience, an honest assessment of sins, a contrite heart, and prayers.

Everyone can actively participate in God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Confession and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, he explained.

Heeding the advice of John let’s repent and mend our ways. Further, let us spend some time every week in adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us forgive those who offend us and pray for them. Finally, let us share our love with others as selfless and humble servants showing God’s mercy to them whenever possible.