Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, known also as Gaudete Sunday. We light the pink candle on our Advent wreath, marking a time of joy and anticipation. In the first reading the imagination of the prophet Zephaniah goes into overdrive as he imagines God’s joy in his people.
In the Gospel, the crowd asks John the Baptist, “Then what are we supposed to do?” His response invites us to shift our focus from self-centred concerns to looking outward and caring for those who have nothing. As we light the third candle, we are called to reflect on how we can prepare our hearts and actions to embrace this call. The late Michel de Verteuil, C.S.Sp., reminded us that living the Christian life is about journeying from simply believing in Jesus to believing as Jesus believed.
On this day of joy, can we strive to see the world through Jesus’ eyes and embody His example in our daily lives, discovering the profound joy of living out the Kingdom of God? Let our joy today be centred on giving to those who have nothing. May our acts of sharing illuminate places where darkness lingers and may this generosity bring us all God’s Joy, an everlasting gift.
Advent Credo by Daniel Berrigan
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to
destruction and loss —
This is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination,
hunger and poverty, death and destruction —
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word,
and that war and destruction rule forever —
This is true: For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
the Everlasting, the Prince of Peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil
who seek to rule the world —
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth,
and lo, I am with you, even unto the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted,
who are the prophets of the Church, before we can be peacemakers.
This is true: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your young shall see visions,
and your old shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for the liberation of humanity, for justice,
human dignity, and
peace are not meant for this earth and for this history —
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope.
Let us see visions of love and peace and justice.
Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage:
Jesus Christ — the Life of the world.
Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
Ronan Barry
