Reflection for Third Sunday in Advent
“What should we do?” (They ask John the Baptist this question as they meet him in the desert—regarding the immanent coming of the redeemer.)
One’s answer to this question could be: to say prayers, go to church, read spiritual materials… John’s answer: whoever has two cloaks should share them with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise. John goes on to give direction to tax collectors and soldiers, telling them not to extort or defraud or take advantage of their positions of power. In other words, to accept and live within the hospitality of God who comes into our midst, to live our daily lives with honesty and generosity and faith.
This Sunday is Gaudete,” Rejoice” Sunday. Today St. Paul says to the Philippians, “Rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all, for then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The prophet Zephaniah proclaims “The lord, your God, is in your midst. He will rejoice over you with gladness!” What a beautiful picture of God—rejoicing over us, so happy to be with us—and we so happy to celebrate this time of preparing for a deeper entry of God into our lives. We can rejoice as if God was among us—with grace and strength…because this is the joy of Advent.
Len Kraus, S.J.
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