Today is Gaudete Sunday, on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, and we must rejoice. Let our faces glow with a smile, intoxicating others with so much positivity, rather than with a frown to indicate being a loser! This time of the year we have the privilege to inspire and let others rejoice! I invite you to rejoice in God’s presence in the Eucharist and in His words, which we heard, and through our fraternity in this community. Certainly God manifests Himself in our lives.
Are you ready for this season of Advent taken by surprise with greater joy and happiness? There are three things for which I want you to feel happy and joyful.
First, Joy happens when you least expect. It is just receiving a card or a gift from the person whom you have missed for so long, with no communication, and then one day a gift at your door is delivered by surprise. For me, God is full of surprises, especially in moments when we are downtrodden, when we are preoccupied, and then someone grants you a gift that makes you joyful. God’s gift to us is Joy. Ask Him for the grace to fill your hearts with delight for this is the perfect time of the year to turn your sadness into Joy.
Second, don’t compare yourselves to others. Why? Comparing yourself to others deprives you from being unique. You are gifted by God in a different way and specifically granted something only for you. The moment you start comparing yourself with someone else’s job, love, family, or possessions, then Joy starts to drift away.
Third, Joy makes you a positive person and moves you into action. It generates positive energy to love, to be forgiving, and to attract others by your good works. Joy certainly makes us forget ourselves as the center of our focus, and others become our priority. Consider extra time in silent prayer, a donation or a gift to the person you have neglected for so long, and always be a Santa to provide the inspiration for helping those in need. Be an instrument of Love and JOY.
The gospel today helps us to understand St. John the Baptist, who made himself the cause of joy around the world. The Prophet John the Baptist’s joy propels him to act, that is, a gift of hope for those who are expecting liberation and freedom from oppression of evil in the world. There are important points in the gospel we are invited to reflect on:
First, the Priests and Levites asked John, “Who art thou? John replies, “I am not the Christ.” St. John the Baptist responded in a straightforwardly manner. He was not confused with regards to his identity precisely because he knew himself well that he was not the Christ. Our American culture, influenced by secularism, confused people of their own true identity. Many drifted away from what God created and intended them to be. We are pressured to explore our sexual orientation, gender, appearance, and what they say about us. Many have poisoned the minds of the young generation that identity can be changed. If our society continuously condones this sexual and gender change, then our original identity can change, including our sense of who we are. When circumstances change, many experience failure, rejection, loss of family values and as a result get wrapped up with egoism and obsession of self-actualization which cause disorientation and depression. I believe that how John identified himself can help us find a reliable answer to our question: Who are you?
Second, John replies, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.” John becomes the “Voice” of the One who is to come. You cannot see a voice, but you can hear it. John’s voice is simply the vehicle by which the word is expressed thru preaching and righteous witnessing in words and in deeds. His humility takes a challenging task of being a precursor stemmed from his relationship with God, claiming to be a fulfillment of the scripture as the voice, preparing the way straight.
Third, John said, “I baptize you with water but there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not.” The clarity of John’s words reveals to us his deep desire to work on purification of the hearts of the people, which Jesus is expecting His people to do before His coming. We must purify our souls. Sometimes it is difficult and hurting if we are not used to doing it, that is, turning away from sin and growing closer to God requires great sacrifice and surrender. It allows us to be receptive of the recreating power of His grace that transforms us, that is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is available to those who have not confessed for many years.
Today is Gaudete Sunday, and our savior, Jesus Christ is our source of real Joy. God brings Joy to everyone and grants delights in you, exactly where you are rightnow. Sometimes Joy arrives unexpectedly, not expectingly coming precisely at midnight or Christmas day, but certainly coming with all its wonderment, confusion, mourning, grief or jubilant celebration so that you may feel from the recesses of your heart ready to burst, exceedingly rejoicing!
May God grant you always the blessing of Joy!
Fr. Arlon, osa
