Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 12, 2021 - 3rd Sunday of Advent - C
[Zeph 3:14-18a; Phil 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18]Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! 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; the King of Israel is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. [Zephaniah] Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." [Luke]
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called "Gaudete Sunday" from a Latin word meaning "Rejoice!" The idea is to give vent to the happy expectation of the coming of the Lord. The prophet Zephaniah and St. Paul each spoke to different expectations but the feeling is the same. Jesus did not come quite as John the Baptist foretold in very colorful terms, but expectation is still a part of the message.
Perhaps this day could challenge us to look at our expectations of the season? St. Paul says we should "have no anxiety at all...!" I'm pretty sure that will be a big challenge for many people who are suffering from illness and losses of various kinds. When the crowds ask John the Baptist "What should we do?", his responses are basic forms of charity and justice. Maybe we could find ways to do that for those who cannot have any reason to rejoice in this season. There are many programs that aim at doing that, but we can act individually as well.
Putting genuine Christian joy into this season of Advent is the challenge we face. Our own expectations call for consideration as well as what we know of others' expectations. Maybe we can incarnate the joy so that the carol, "Joy to the World!" will be more than sentiment! AMEN