Dec 9, 2024 6 min read

3rd Sunday of Advent (Year C) – 15 December 2024

Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday

A Note on Advent

Advent has a twofold character and the Scripture Readings are chosen to reflect this:

it looks back with joy to the first Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered;

it looks forward with hope to Christ’s second coming when the end of time will bring liberation.

(cf. General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 39)

Both aspects are a cause of joy and hope in the midst of life’s ups-&-downs. Despite life’s drama and turmoil, we can count on God to put things right. Be alert to his presence.

Quick Glance

Theme: Joy that God is near: living that joy.
Key Message: God is near. Be alert to his presence. Cultivate your joy. Live out of it.
Readings Summary:
- First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a – God will restore to his people all that they lost. God will undo the damage done. God is in your midst rejoicing over you.
- Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6 – A song of joy, acknowledging God great in the midst of us
- Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 – The Lord is very near. No need to worry.
- Gospel: Luke 3:10-18 – John the Baptist tells how trust in God is lived in action.

Gospel Text (Luke 3:10-18)

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do then?” John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptised. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptise you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

Overview of the Gospel

If God is with us, how should we live? John the Baptist answers with practical guidance. He emphasises ethical conduct, sharing resources, and integrity in one's duties. The people have trust in John as one who speaks for God, but he tells them that God’s action extends far beyond himself. God’s action will achieve more than any human being can. With our limitations, we do not always grasp what God is doing. But the Messiah, Jesus, will really brings God’s presence and action to light, helping us to sift out what is good, purging away what is worthless and giving honour to what is worthwhile. The Holy Spirit and fire signify transformation and bringing out the best.

Contextual Reflections

Snapshot: John the Baptist’s voice is key to Advent. If we realised how active and present God is - if we could but see how much God can and will do - it would lift us to joy and thanks. It would also lift our behaviour to a new level of right living.

Changing our mindset to include God will bring us joy but will also become manifest in concrete actions that reflect God's goodness to us. Sharing with those in need, practising honesty, and exercising contentment are ways to prepare the heart for the Lord.

John the Baptist is humble. Even though he knows God acts through him, he points beyond himself to where the really significant action of God is. John is also an encourager. He doesn’t settle for his own quiet satisfaction. He wants to help others to see what’s happening: he wants them to be ready for, and to recognise, the action of God. He wants us to be open to how God transforms and brings us to focus.

When God acts, it is not for some generic crowd. God knows us and cares for us individually. We are God’s work of art. Quite often fire is part of the artistic process: solidifying, burnishing, strengthening. Even in difficult times, God is with us. Perhaps that is when God is most active with us.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Cultural Context

Snapshot: John's call to prepare a way for the Lord is followed up by instruction on how to prepare that way. It is through right living and acting to remedy need where it exists.

Untrammelled independence and comfort are highly valued today. They govern career choice, house purchase and voting patterns. The more we get these things, the more we want them. But there is a hidden cost. We may be free from obligation. We may be free to choose what we like (if we can afford it). However, when we become independent of others, we are equally disconnected from them. We can find ourselves feeling suddenly isolated, finding it difficult to access help when we need it. John the Baptist speaks to our current culture most aptly when he encourages a sense of caring connection between us. He speaks to a sense of social obligation that the modern desire for independence has eroded or made superficial.

The emphasis on honesty and integrity in one's professional duties speaks to the ethical dilemmas faced in various sectors today. Whether in business, governance, or personal interactions, the call to act justly and truthfully challenges the relativism and moral compromises prevalent in society.

John's humility and recognition of his role as a forerunner to Christ invite us to check in on our own inner moral compass. In a culture that often promotes self-promotion and individualism, embracing a posture of service and pointing others to Christ becomes a countercultural witness. It reminds us that our lives are meant to reflect and prepare the way for God's work in the world.

Themes for Meditation

Repentance: What specific actions can I take to align my life more closely with God's will?
Humility: How can I cultivate a humble heart that points others to Christ rather than seeking personal recognition?
Social Justice: In what ways can I contribute to addressing social inequalities and embodying Christ's love in my community?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we journey through this Advent season, open our hearts to the call of John the Baptist. Grant us the grace to repent sincerely, to live justly, and to prepare the way for Your Son. May we be filled with the joy of Your salvation and become faithful witnesses of Your love in the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Quotes for Reflection

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30
“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” – Pope Francis
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” – St. Augustine
First they came for the Communist, and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist… Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me - Martin Niemöller (after the Second World War)

Contemplative Action

This week, identify a specific way to share your resources with someone in need, reflecting John's call to generosity. Whether through donating to a charitable cause, offering your time to assist someone, or sharing your talents, let this act be a tangible expression of preparing the way for the Lord in your life and community.

Liturgical Calendar for the Week

15 December: Third Sunday of Advent
16 December: Weekday of Advent
17 December: Weekday of Advent
18 December: Weekday of Advent
19 December: Weekday of Advent
20 December: Weekday of Advent
21 December: St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial)