Reflection on the Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, 15 Dec 2024:

Zephaniah 3:14-18; Isaiah 12: Philippians 4:4-7; Is61:1(Lk4:18); Luke 3:10-18

The third Sunday of Advent is the third out of four Sundays preparing us for the coming of our Saviour. We have overcome more than half the way, have made it so far.
It is always good to have milestones that remind us of how much we have achieved and what is still in front of us.
It reminds me of a long walk I once did with some friends. The first half was about motivating some of these friends to come along, to tell them that the walk was worthwhile and that, while the journey might not always be easy, we would be able to make it together. Once we had reached more than half of the walk, any obstacles seem to be smaller as the goal was almost in sight. We started talking about what we would do when we arrive.

The joy of reaching more than half of the journey changes the sense of preparation. We are not focussing on the preparation for the journey, but rather the preparation for what we will do when we reach the goal.

Today’s Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Rejoice. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul invites the followers of Christ to be happy – not according to human terms, but happy and joyful in God’s terms.
To be happy in the Lord, to have peace in God and our hearts and thoughts in Jesus are references to us being part of a community. It is not about our personal gain, our personal happiness or our personal peace.

If we are blessed with more than what our sisters and brothers have, we are asked to share with them. If we have a position of power and are able to help someone else, we are called to do so. Who knows – if we follow this invitation, our action might be the answer to someone else’s prayer?

We can’t expect to be blessed with what we wish for ourselves. God is greater than us and we won’t be able to understand every why and how.
What we do know is that we can share our talents, our possessions, our power and our joy.
So, let us praise God in spreading the joy knowing that God loves us. Let us shout out: Gaudete – Rejoice!

BM