Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday calls us to rejoice, a moment of lightness as we approach Christmas. Today’s readings are brimming with encouragement and hope, showing us how to live joyfully in the truth of God’s presence and His work in our lives.
In the first reading from Zephaniah, we hear a powerful promise: “The Lord has removed the judgment against you… The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” Imagine the weight of those words! The Lord, who sees us completely, chooses to draw near to us, not with condemnation but with mercy. He removes the judgment against us—not because we deserve it, but because of His love; a love that is absurd and lavish. This is a reminder of forgiveness and freedom. When we confess our sins, He lifts off the burden of guilt and sets us free to live in the joy of His presence. His forgiveness is like a fresh start, filling us with peace and a new spirit of life.
Saint Paul urges us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: rejoice!” Life, though, is still complex and fraught with worry and concern; it is hard to see this new spirit of life. How can we rejoice, in our difficulties? Paul answers this by calling us to bring everything to God in prayer and thanksgiving. “Have no anxiety about anything,” he says, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Anxiety is something many of us know well, but Paul invites us to hand it over to God. He encourages us to trust that God is near, that He cares for us, and that He is listening. And as we let go of our worries, God fills us with His peace, which goes beyond what we can understand. This peace is the fruit of trust—of knowing that we are held securely in God’s hands.
Finally, in our Gospel, John the Baptist speaks of a mighty baptism in “the Holy Spirit and fire.” This isn’t merely a ritual washing but a transformation through God’s Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit changes us at our core; it’s a cleansing fire that removes sin, purifies our hearts, and renews us. We become new creations filled with God’s life and love through the Holy Spirit. This fire that John speaks of isn’t destructive; it’s a refining fire that burns away what doesn’t belong to God, preparing us to meet Christ and live as His people.
How might we live this? Each evening, reflect on one or two specific moments when you felt God’s presence or received a blessing. Even during challenging times, identifying something small to be thankful for can be a powerful way to rejoice, as St. Paul calls us to. As you offer thanks, bring any worries to God, trusting that He holds them in His hands and will give you His peace in return.
This season of joy also invites us to experience God’s mercy and offer it to others. If there’s someone you need to forgive, take a step toward healing that relationship, even if it’s simply a prayer for them. Similarly, if you need forgiveness, consider humbling yourself to ask for it or go to confession if you feel burdened. Letting go of resentment and guilt brings us closer to the freedom and peace God desires, allowing us to live in joy.
So, what does this mean for us, especially as we prepare for Christmas? It means we can approach God with our whole selves—our sins, our anxieties, our brokenness—and trust that He meets us with mercy and love. We are invited to rejoice, not because we have no troubles, but because our God is faithful. He forgives, He heals, and He fills us with His Spirit. Let us open our hearts to Him, casting aside whatever might keep us from receiving His peace and allowing ourselves to be filled with His joy. Amen.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections