FEASTING ON THE WORD
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Third Sunday of Advent (C)Zephaniah 3:14-18a | Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 3:10-18 We are now very close to celebrating Christmas Day! The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin for “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because today’s Mass begins with the antiphon from Philippians 4:4,5, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” As we light the rose candle on this Third Sunday of Advent, the church once again bids us to be joyful, insisting that we have every reason to rejoice. Emil's father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had embezzled their accounting firm's funds. His mother went out and pawned some jewelry to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that "the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week." Her courageous gesture inspired the family anew. The prophet Zephaniah in our first reading wants captive Israel to long for the joy of the presence of God. He calls the people of God to recognize the end-game, to look past the pain of judgment and exile, to look past the troubles this life brings. Ultimately, God’s plan is not about sorrow, devastation and judgment, but about joy. But how do we rejoice when there is so much fear, disappointment, and despair? It almost seems inappropriate and insensitive. In common usage, “joy” and “happiness” could very well be seen as synonyms, but there is an important difference. Happiness depends on circumstances or other people. One can be happy when watching BTS concert, reading a good book, getting promoted at work, or experiencing anything pleasurable. Joy, on the other hand, is a personal fullness or sense of completeness in one’s entire life as a result of knowing and trusting God. We find our deepest of joy as we find our true identity in our relationship with God. It is not because of difficulties that we are to rejoice. It is because of the one who is soverign over these difficulties. Genuine faith is believing in God and His promises especially when it seems dark. He calls us to look beyond the difficulties of today, to the coming of the Messiah: When the Lord comes He not only is the source of joy, He brings joy for His people. It doesn’t matter what is going on around us — family and relationship problems, health problems, financial difficulties, persecution, multiple natural disasters, or death in the family, — we can still feel joy! I love the story of the second grader from Poblacion, Makati named Richard. On the way to school Richard’s arm bumped against a seat on the school bus and it made a big scrape and bled until blood got all over his clothes. He had forgotten to put his homework paper in his book bag so he got in trouble with the teacher. At recess he was hit in the mouth and lost two teeth. After school he slipped on the ice and broke his wrist. On the way to the hospital he reached into his pocket with his good hand pulled something out. His father asked him what it was. He said, “It’s a five Peso coin! I found it on the ground when I fell down. It’s the first five Peso I ever found. This is the best day of my life!” The passage in our second reading comes in the context of an awareness that some of those who have not only begun well, but have journeyed well, and struggled for the Gospel now appear to be having second thoughts. Perhaps they are counting the cost of following Jesus and are hesitating, and even now contemplating turning back. Joy is an attitude. Paul suggests that we have a lot of control over our lives. I don’t know where I first heard it but it stuck with me: “Life wouldn’t be so hard if we didn’t expect it to be so easy.” We can’t control how hard or easy life is. But we can control our attitude towards it. If you think everyone is out to get you, you’re probably right. If you think the world is against you, it probably is. If you think nothing ever works out your way, it probably doesn’t. If you think your friends are fakes, they probably are. If you think your parish community is terrible, you’re probably right. If you think your parish priest is self-centered and out of touch, I’m sure you’re on to something. Your attitude is fixed on the negative. Your behavior only lets you see the wrong things and not the positive. Joy is an attitude. And if it’s an attitude, then joy is a choice. Instead of seeing how wrong everything is, choose the joy: see the positive. Find the bright spot—look for it! The story is told about a boy who was taught by his father that the only way to happiness is to accumulate wealth. He imbibed his father’s teachings so he studied very well and he eventually became one of the very rich in their town. But even if he was very rich already he was still not happy. So he went to a wise old man to ask for an advice. The wise old man gave him only one advice: Learn to share whatever you have for it is in sharing that you would find the elusive joy and happiness that you are seeking. He followed the wisdom filled advice and he finally experienced the joy and happiness that he was seeking. The figure of John the Baptist, introduced in last week’s readings, comes into sharper focus today. In our gospel the crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" John identifies acts of generosity toward the poor as a key indicator of true repentance in the kingdom of God. This is more than simply having a “generous heart” or a generous intent, but involves concrete acts of compassion, sharing, participation and solidarity. Our celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by the Savior. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We feel more kindly one to another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are softened. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things. Interior joy is found in living a life of service for others. After all, We can sum up the Gospels on just five fingers: “You-did-it-to-me". May we give as the Savior gave. <enrique,ofs>
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum Archives
March 2024
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