‘Gaudete! Rejoice!’- Welcome Jesus with John the Baptist.
Listening the Spirit
“Lord Jesus, you are the brightness of the Father’s glory, the image of the one that begot you; you appeared in our flesh and enlightened our soul by the light of your life-giving gospel. Oh Lord, Let our darkness disappear before your brightness. May our hearts be filled with your holy love, patience and wisdom, so that we may welcome you in sharing your joy with your beloved children. Amen.
Listening the Word: Matthew 11: 2-11.
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
"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."
As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
"What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Reflection
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near“ (Ph. 4:4-5). These words chosen as the Entrance antiphon of this third Sunday of Advent give the tonality of what we are celebrating: Joy, rejoice. We are happy to celebrate this Sunday also called “The Gaudete” Sunday, the Rejoicing Sunday, the joyful Sunday, for the Lord is coming to save us. He is near at the corner. That is why eleven days before Christmas, the liturgy is abounding with the invitation to rejoice, to persevere in gladness.
The response is simple, because Jesus is coming very soon “with divine recompense”. And the fruits of his coming will be seen according to the Prophecy of Isaiah given in the first reading: the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; the lame leap like a stag, the tongue of the mute will sing of his wonders. (cf. Is. 35).
Therefore, to rejoice in the Lord is not a matter of the passing joy of feelings with their superficiality. To rejoice in the Lord is not a question of eating and drinking more and get drunk, (cf. Rm 14:17) or to command others, being indifferent to the suffering of others, or extravagant life. However, to rejoice in the Lord means to be aware of the work of the Holy Spirit in our live and be grateful for that, even when our efforts seem not appreciated by our neighbourhood. Jesus is the one to fill us with his joy, that no one can take it from us” (cf. Jn 16: 22).
2. How should we show our gladness?
Rejoicing in Building Bridges
In our liturgy, we are wearing the rose-pink colour in order to highlight the message of happiness. In fact, this colour is not so far from white. With John the Baptist once more, let us lift up our hearts in humility to fight against unfairness, to open our eyes and ears to those people who are suffering around us, while trying to take care of people, especially the marginalized; aged, those who don’t even share same religious belief with us, and also the sickness. Because total healing is not only about caring for the body with food, water and medicine. But it's about touching people's hearts with kindness and smiles. Then we will be the hands of Jesus through whom “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” (cf. Mt. 11). Rejoice through our deeds is our duty today.
3. Rejoice in the Lord in the midst of trials and difficulties
Jesus invites us today to avoid being a prisoner of hatred and anger. We might have many reasons that may be stealing our peace and keeping us from rejoicing. But, listen: never be the slave of your stress and difficulties; never allow your struggles to make you forget that the love of God is deeper than your limitations.
So my dear brothers and sisters; Rejoice!
Open your heart to welcome Him because he will free you and I from sin, sorrow and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. That is why James in today’s second reading reminds us to be patient, for through patience as saint Theresa of Avila said, obtains all things.
The secret of joy:What should we do?”
Let us practice honesty, patience and humility like John the Baptist who foretold the coming of the Messiah. May the Lord help us to continue our hard work in order to prepare for his coming with resilience and joy.
Reflection Questions
- In the midst of my present struggles and waiting, where do I recognize the signs that “the Lord is near,” and how does this awareness shape my joy?
- How am I called today to rejoice not merely in words, but through concrete deeds that build bridges, heal wounds, and bring hope to those who suffer around me?
