Third Sunday of Advent 2024

Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18

Rev. Neli Miranda

 

Rejoice in the Lord. Gaudete in Domino!

Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent known as “Gaudete Sunday” or the Sunday of Joy. Gaudete, derived from the Latin word for “rejoice,” appropriately names this Sunday, where the readings resonate with the joy of God’s visitation. “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” proclaims the prophet Zephaniah, heralding God’s visitation (3:14). A century before, the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed the glorious presence of God among the people of Israel, “Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel” (12:6). These passages invite us to look back to the past and encounter the joy and hope of those who experienced the divine presence. They also invite us to remember the glorious moments when we, too, have experienced the presence of God in our lives. Gaudete in Domino!

In today’s epistle, we read Paul’s words: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (4:4). Paul wrote the epistle to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. In this letter, he expressed gratitude to the Philippians for their support and encouraged their faith. Despite being confined in a cell, Paul wrote these moving words and encouraged the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord “always”, because the Lord is near, the Lord is at hand. No doubt, Paul was experiencing a continual advent in his heart and looking forward to the future coming of Jesus.  Are you able to experience the near presence of God even in adverse situations in your life? Can you affirm, “The Lord is near?" Gaudete in Domino!

The tone of joy shifts when we hear John the Baptist’s words: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Lk.3:8). These words were directed at the religious leaders who, in hypocrisy, sought baptism at the Jordan River.  The first Advent was proclaimed in the wilderness on the banks of the Jordan River attracting many people, including Pharisees and Sadducees, to listen to John’s message and be baptized as a sign of repentance. John, in calling the religious leaders “brood of vipers”, denounces their hypocrisy and urges them to repent and change their lives. He directs them to “Bear fruits worthy of repentance”. Repentance entails conversion—a shift in both thought and action—and John calls them to embrace a new way of living. 

Confident in their Abrahamic lineage, they believed they were entitled to divine grace, but John confronts them saying, “Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Lk. 3:9).   The call of Advent demands genuine conversion, tangible actions, preparing us to receive God’s manifestation during the Christmas celebration.  Gaudete in Domino!

The crowds gathered at the Jordan River asked John, “What then should we do?” In response, John directed them towards actions aimed at sharing resources with those who had less, emphasizing the provision for basic needs for all: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise” (Luke 3:11). John also addressed those in positions of public authority, such as the tax collectors who were despised by the people for their collaboration with the oppressors. The tax collectors, working for Rome, extorted the people and abused of their power. John called them to act justly, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you” (Luke 3:13). There were also some soldiers among the converted to whom John addressed a similar call for integrity: “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). It appears that some of these soldiers were taking advantage of their position and abusing people.  In essence, John exhorted all the converts to promote social justice by practicing equality and equity among the people. These are the fruits worthy of repentance!! Gaudete in Domino!

Dear sisters and brothers, as we walk during Advent towards Christmas, we continue hearing the powerful voice of John the Baptist urging us to, “Bear fruits worthy of repentance”. His call reminds us of the disparities in our world, where some accumulate while others are deprived. Do we have more than one coat? Do we have enough food?  Share it!

Moreover, John’s message also calls us to reflect on the pervasive presence of corruption in earthly systems, where many take advantage of positions of power and abuse others. His call makes us question: How do we handle the positions of power entrusted to us in our communities and workplaces? Do we misuse our authority? Are we promoting equality and equity?

Advent is a path built with actions of justice and reminds us of our commitment as disciples of Jesus to embody and proclaim the Kingdom of God through fruits of justice.   Gaudete in Domino! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” Amen.