Third Sunday of Advent
Is35:1-6a, 10, James 5: 7-10, Mt 11: 2-11
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today’s Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
The Prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading. He foresees a land in which everything really works together for the good of all and for the good of each. If we are among those experiencing this salvation, then we will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
Probably most of us at times long for a time in our own lives when everything works well, when our relationships with others and with God are all that they can be, when the world is at peace and our loves ones are also sharing in such a good time.
Today’s second reading is from the Letter of James. The author is encouraging us to have patience because only in patience can we wait for the world to be transformed into God’s own image. James tells us to take the prophets as our models. The prophets were able to wait for the world to come in which everything would be perfect and people would live in peace with one another. The prophets could even describe such a world—like the description we have today from the prophet Isaiah.
This week’s Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus’ message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus’ ministry and Jesus’ assessment of John’s role in the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John’s arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today’s Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater.
Jesus’ message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God’s work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God’s kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.
Peace and all good!
Fr. Valery Burusu
Parochial Administrator