Gaudete Sunday Advent 3rd

3^rd Advent ©©©

Homily: Fr. Aelred

GAUDETE Sunday

There is a clear note at rejoicing in today’s liturgy. In the first reading the Prophet Zephaniah tells us to ‘Shout out for joy’, and the prophet Isaiah, in the responsorial psalm, tells us to ‘Sing and shout for joy’. Both of them direct us to that deep, lasting, life-giving joy that is the hallmark of God’s presence.

This third Sunday of Advent is meant to wake us up to a gift of heaven which is given to us already today. Blessed Columban Marmion once said that ‘Joy is the echo of God’s life in us’.

This is not a superficial joy based on good fortune or pleasant circumstances. Both Zephaniah and Isaiah often wrote in times of societies of extortion, persecution and disillusion. Just like the circumstances of today often bring their own worries and pain: unemployment, families breaking up, addiction, scandals within the Church. And St. Paul, in the second reading who tells the earthy Christians to always be happy in the Lord, knew that it is easy to be happy when we are doing what we want. But to find happiness in what we have to do, not simply in what we want to do, this is a blessing from God!

The source of the joy of today’s Gaudete Sunday (the word Gaudete means rejoice) comes from one who is so powerful that even John the Baptist, the greatest of all the prophets, is not worthy even to undo his sandals. It is Jesus himself who gives us divine joy by plunging us into the love of the Holy Spirit. A joy that can be felt even when we are under severe pressure from without or within.

Because of the inevitable pressures of daily living and survival, we must continually tap into the deeper river of joy that flows from God by praying and giving thanks in every situation. St. Benedict advises us to begin every task by asking God’s help. Every day, even amid difficulties and problems, there are small gifts coming our way from the hand of God for which we can give thanks. Remembering the ordinary gifts of everyday and giving thanks is a great antidote to envy and bitterness!

By continually turning to God in every situation, as St. Paul suggests, our hearts and thoughts are guarded by God’s peace. Only that which has lasting good for us will survive the fire of God’s love. The pains of life don’t just disappear because we pray; but they do loosen their grip on us. We are less controlled by worry and anxiety, and we begin to grow in patience, tolerance and forbearance.

Such a change of attitude shows itself in concrete decisions; we are more just in our everyday dealings with others, and more willing to share whatever resources we have!

Advent urges us to prepare a way for the Lord, and there is no better way to prepare than to be welcoming towards those in need. The way to peace and happiness lies in self-forgetfulness and love of others.