Anticipation ~ A Reflection on Gaudete Sunday, Third Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

Zeph 3:14-18a

Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Phil 4:4-7

Lk 3:10-18

Rejoice!  That's the good news for this Third Sunday of Advent.  The days of waiting will soon be over!

We catch a similar excitement when we read the words of the prophet Zephaniah in the first reading.  "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!....  The King of Israel, the Lord is in your midst..."  Zephaniah's prophecies had spoken of a terrible day of judgement for all the people because they had turned their backs on the Lord.  But the prophet also wanted them to know that after the judgement, a remnant would remain who would be delivered by their Lord and Savior who would renew them in his love.  They could rejoice at this good news!

In the second reading, Paul also bids his beloved Philippians to rejoice... because the Lord is near.  They should not be anxious about anything, but to lift up their petitions in prayer and thanksgiving to God.

In the Gospel of Luke, we find John the Baptist also preaching about a future judgement. His presence and his words were so powerful, that people began to wonder if John was the Christ, the anointed one of God.  But John told them another was coming who would baptize by the Holy Spirit and fire, and whose sandals he was not worthy to unloosen.  He preached the good news to the people that their time of waiting was almost over.

So today, we have great cause for rejoicing.  Along with Isaiah, we acknowledge,

"God indeed is my savior.  I am confident and unafraid.  My strength and my courage is the Lord."        



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