Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete) ~ December 12, 2021

“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior;...” (Zephaniah 3:17)  

Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (December 12, 2021): ZEP 3:14-18; IS 12:2-3,4,5-6; PHIL 4:4-7; LK 3:10-18 

MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

The closer we grow to Jesus and the more we embrace His call, the more joy will become a genuine part of our lives.      

Gaudete! Let us rejoice! That is the meaning of this Third Sunday of Advent when we are more than halfway to celebrating the birth of Christ. The liturgical color of rose replaces the violet we have seen this season in church. For those who have been marking the days with an Advent wreath, a pink or rose candle is lighted today. It is time to remember that, with the coming of our Savior, joy truly enters the world. He is the Son of God who is also the Son of Mary. Both the first and second readings at Mass proclaim that whatever our burdens or worries, we are never alone. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:4-6). St. Paul wrote this while he was in prison. Yet he understood that the closer we grow to Jesus and the more we embrace His call, the more joy will become a genuine part of our lives.  

This does not mean that we wake up every morning giddy with happiness. Joy comes from keeping our souls united to our beloved Redeemer. It means seeing the world with His clear eyes. Every day the media, through people who shout their opinions for all to hear, tries to tell us what is important. Yet we need to take the time to think and, yes, pray, about these messages. We have to decide what really matters in life. Jesus taught us how to look at the world and our place in it. He wants us to know that His love will never fail us and, whatever mistakes we make, He will always forgive us. We should not let disappointment with the past or fear about the future distract us from today’s opportunity to rejoice in God’s love for us and His longing for us to love Him in return. Today offers another chance to show our love by loving those around them. “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).