Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 14, 2025 - 3rd Sunday of Advent - A
[Isa 35:1-6a, 10; Jas 5:7-10; Matt 11:2-11,38]Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing... [Isaiah] "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." [Matthew]
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as "Gaudete Sunday" - the Latin verb for "rejoice!" It can be a tough message for those who suffer in different ways in this particular season, but it could be THE only reason some have for rejoicing - the fulfillment of God's promise, which continues to call us to faith.
The fulfillment of that promise is what Jesus points to in responding to the question from John the Baptist, who was himself in prison at the time! John could find some solace in having his own prophetic preaching vindicated in the person and ministry of Jesus! Indeed, Jesus would suffer the same fate as John - death at the hands of those "who took offense" at him. If the cause of our rejoicing is only to be found in the gifts under the Christmas tree and not in the humble manger scene, Isaiah, John and Jesus' prophecies have fallen on deaf ears and blind eyes without results.
Gaudete Sunday is a kind of "pause" in the liturgical celebration of Advent/Christmas to take in the "big picture" of the reason for the season. Jesus points to his ministry instead of saying, "Yep! I'm the one!" To whom shall we reach out in this season so that the fulfillment of God's promise can have "skin" on it? The less obvious sufferers of loss await our care. We can give them a reason to rejoice! AMEN
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