3^rd Sunday of Advent Year C.

Readings: Zeph. 3:14-19, Phil. 4:4-7, and Lk. 3:10-18.

“Rejoice in the Lord Always; Always be Joyful.”

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

1.     Today is the 3^rd Sunday of Advent Year C. The central theme that runs across the readings today is that we should rejoice in the Lord. Zephaniah in our first reading declared: “Shout for joy. O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart O daughter Jerusalem!” In the 2^nd reading, St. Paul called on the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord always… Rejoice, your kindness should be known to all.” The prophet Zephaniah is asking for this song of joy because the Lord has removed the judgement against his people; he has turned away their enemies and those of the King; the Lord is in their midst, and they do not have the misfortune to fear or to live in fear. On the other hand, St. Paul is asking the Philippians to rejoice because the Lord is near, very near to them. The peace of God that goes beyond all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

2.     That this is the 3^rd Sunday of Advent means that we are left with only one more Sunday before the Solemnity of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As you can see, as it was for the Israelites announced by the prophet Zephaniah, and as proclaimed to the Philippians by St. Paul, we are very near to this Solemnity. The call throughout Advent is that we should be ready for the Lord. There are several things we need to put in place to enhance this joy; without which it would only surprise us why others are joyful, and we are not. We must reiterate the ways we need to spiritually prepare to be joyful as we await and celebrate the Solemnity of the anniversary of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. These are:

-         Intensification of our prayer life.

-         A good confession, reconcile with God and with one another.

-         Carry out the Corporal works of mercy.

-         Carry out the Spiritual works of mercy.

-         Intensification of the reading of Scriptures and other Spiritual books.

-         Love of God and neighbor, sufficiently made clear in our gospel text through the following recommendations from John:

-         Charity: If you have two dresses, give one out; be sure your neighbor receives a greeting, Christmas Card, and more so that he is not starving.

-         Justice: This means giving each person his/her due but in John’s usage it means take from each person that which you ought to take and not more than required or recommended; in like manner no false accusations.

-         Sincerity: No deception; and there should be no extortion; do not cease others property or goods.

-         Humility: If you do not earn like others, do not try to spend as others. You are you – live according to your means. We are each unique.

-         No False Witnessing: Do not falsely accuse others. Do not bear witness as true to that which is not true.

3.     John in today’s gospel is powerfully asking for charity and justice. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians had told them that there are three things that last – Faith, Hope, and Charity and the greatest of these is Charity. The prophet Micah had declared that, that which the Lord God asks of you is: “to do justice, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” (6:8). Another text puts it this way: “to act justly, to love tenderly and walk humbly on the way of the Lord.” Charity brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver. This is the Season during which many gifts more than ever are exchanged. A lot of joy is shared; a lot of joy is radiated. Kindly do not be an exception to the giving and receiving of this joy. I have started experiencing this joy already and in my own little way I am trying to share it as well.

4.     The joy of a Christian who tries to live these virtues as recommended by John cannot go unnoticed. This joy, as asked for and as expressed in the first two readings, is ours in as much as we strive to live charitably and justly. It results from the detachment from material things we often tend to cling to desperately. May Christ, whose birthday we await to celebrate upholds us beyond our expectations, filling everyone of us with joy and happiness beyond measure. To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,

Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of Snows Parishes, Pittsfield and Dexter.