ADVENT III (B) Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; I Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,  19-28 

The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday.” “Gaudete” is a Latin word meaning ‘rejoice.’ The readings remind us that the coming of Jesus, past, present and future, is the reason for our rejoicing.  The first reading tells us that we should rejoice because the promised Messiah is coming as our Savior and Liberator, saving us from our bondages. The liturgy today demands that we rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice!” These words paraphrase the passage from St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, which we heard as our second reading.

What joy can there be amid what is happening in the world, so much pain, suffering, gloom and darkness? It is certainly not the joy that emerges from some false optimism on our part that things are going to get better. Too often, we can attest to this: things, in fact, get worse. This joy does not come from creating an illusory world in our minds where pain and suffering are denied. So, what is this joy that the readings are speaking of? So, why should we be happy, and be happy “at all times,” albeit in good times or bad, in sickness or in health? St. Paul tells us that this rejoicing is required of us simply “because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus.” And the Church adds in her liturgy, “Indeed, the Lord is near.” The answer lies in Christ. True, lasting joy is found only with God in Christ.

The prophet Isaiah declared in the first reading that it is a season of God’s favour. We are called to rejoice because the Lord is coming. He is coming to save us, liberate us, and give us new life. Many of us may be experiencing some form of darkness in our lives. We find ourselves in the midst of problems without any apparent solution. We see ourselves as ‘captives’ of our difficult circumstances; there seems to be no way out. Our hearts may be broken because of rejection or because the actions and words of others have hurt us. We see ourselves as poor, hungering and thirsting for friendship, understanding and a sense of belonging. Some of us find ourselves trapped in the darkness of sin.

If we see ourselves in any of these situations, rejoice and be glad because the readings promise good news. This is the promise of God, as St. Paul tells us in the second reading: “God has called you, and He will not fail you.” God keeps His promise. And what is this promise? The Lord’s anointed messenger will bring healing and liberation to all who are poor, broken-hearted, oppressed, and captive.

John the Baptist stands as a sign for us today on Gaudete Sunday. He points out the path to lasting joy for each of us, not just a forgery or a fading type of joy. We should imitate his lifestyle of self-emptying – a life marked by humility – we prepare for the coming of the Lord by always holding on to this basic principle that defined the Baptist’s life and mission: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Despite the difficulties he encountered, the harshness and austerity of his life, his imprisonment and execution at the hands of a local tyrant, John understood that as his own light dimmed and faded, another light was coming, the true light was coming to illuminate the darkened world and cast aside the shadows of sin. The Baptist only caught a glimpse of the first glimmer of light before the sunrise. We, on the other hand, have the privilege of knowing and witnessing that sunrise at Easter. We can, therefore, know no lasting peace and joy unless we come to know Christ, the true Light of the World, and allow the light of His grace to transform us.

The world needs new John the Baptists to point to Jesus. We are called to be these witnesses. We are called to stand up before friends, families, working companions, or maybe just that idle acquaintance and say, "For me, the Life of Christ is more important than anything the world can offer." If this reality is present in the core of our being, the Holy Spirit that is within us will convince others of the truth of our witness. We are called to wear a cross, not just around our necks but imprinted upon our very being. We are called to reverence God in every action of our lives because our commitment to Christ is the whole reason for our lives.

During the Advent season, we must reflect upon and radiate Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness everywhere.  There are too many people who live in darkness and poverty and who lack real freedom.  There are others who are deafened and blinded by the cheap attractions of the world.  Also, many feel lonely, unwanted, rejected, and marginalized.  All these people are waiting for us to reflect the Light of Christ into their worlds and to turn their lives into experiences of joy, wholeness, and integrity.  To become genuine witnesses to Christ, we need to make some preparations, as John suggested. People asked him as to what they should do in preparation for the Messiah. His answer was: “Repent and reform your lives, and prayerfully wait for the Messiah.”  This means that we have to pray from the heart and pray more often.  Our Blessed Mother, in her many apparitions, has urgently reminded us of the need for more fervent and more frequent prayers.   Let us remember that the Holy Mass is the most powerful of prayers.  We must become a Eucharistic people, receiving the living presence of Jesus in our hearts so that we may be transformed into His image and likeness.  We encounter Jesus in all the Sacraments. Regular monthly Confession strengthens us and enables us to receive more grace in the Eucharist.  Let us also listen daily to God speaking to us through the Bible and pray the rosary daily. Find some spare time to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  And forgive those who have offended us and pray for those whom we have offended.  Thus, filled with the light of Christ, let’s lead others to rejoice in the Light of Christ, who has already come among us.