Friends, today we are celebrating the third Sunday of Advent Year C, popularly known as “Gaudete Sunday.” The term Gaudete simply means “to rejoice.” This Advent, we are preparing to live a new experience of love and faith in God. Brothers and sisters, as we come closer to the feast of Christmas, the church encourages us to rejoice because God is about to fulfill his promise to us. However, this does not mean we have come to the end of our preparation for this season of Advent. On the Third Sunday of Advent Year C, the readings of today carry the themes of joy, peace, and preparation in our hearts. Let us rejoice in God’s presence, find comfort in His peace, and actively prepare for Jesus’ coming. May we be inspired to live out our faith with renewed hope and love during this Advent season? Lord, fill our hearts with joy and peace as we prepare for Jesus’ coming. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and trust in Your care. Guide us to share Your love with others.
Friends, the first reading of today is all an invitation to joy and serenity, to trust; “Shout for joy daughter of Zion, rejoice, exult with all your heart.” “Have no fear, do not let your hands fall limp.” Why is Zephaniah saying such consoling words? Is it perhaps because everything is well with him? Not at all! He is living during one of the most difficult periods in the history of Israel. Corruption is rampant in Jerusalem; the King, the priests, the prophets, and the judges, all are corrupt; the people have abandoned their faith and betrayed their God.
Friends, the first reading, speaks of joy and celebration because God is with His people. Zephaniah tells us to shout for joy and be glad because the Lord has removed the judgment against us. He is in our midst, and we have no reason to fear. Brothers and sisters, we are called to be happy and hopeful because God is nearby. When we feel anxious or worried, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us. He loves us and will take care of us. God’s presence brings peace and safety. Zephaniah describes a world where God protects and saves His people. This is a powerful image of God’s love and care. We are encouraged to trust in God and believe that He will keep us safe. On this third Sunday of Advent, Zephaniah’s words remind us to celebrate because God is with us. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s remember to find joy in God’s presence and share that joy with others.
Friends, Paul writes to the Philippians from prison, where he was put by the enemies of the gospel. He should be sad, but instead, he keeps inviting all to be joyful. Brothers and sisters, St. Paul tells us to always rejoice in the Lord and not to worry about anything. He encourages us to pray and give thanks to God, and then we will experience God’s peace. Paul reminds us that joy comes from knowing God is near. When we focus on God and His love for us, we can find happiness even in difficult times. St. Paul also talks about the peace of God. This peace is not like the peace the world gives. It is a deep sense of calm and trust that God is taking care of us. When we feel anxious or worried, we can turn to God in prayer and experience His peace. Brothers and sisters, on this Third Sunday of Advent Year C, we are invited to rejoice and be at peace. St. Paul’s words remind us to focus on God and His blessings. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s remember to find joy and peace in our relationship with God and share that joy with others.
Friends, in today’s Gospel, after preaching the good news of repentance, John the Baptist provoked a great yearning for change in his listeners. He describes Jesus holding a winnowing fan to clear the threshing floor, separating the wheat from the chaff. This shows that Jesus will bring a new way of living, one that challenges the old ways. We must ask the same question that the people asked John the Baptist: “What must we do?” This was the same question of the people to Peter after his preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 39-41). Brothers and sisters, some of us feel comfortable with the way things are. Life is good, and we do not want it to change. We feel secure and happy. Others among us welcome change because we live in difficult situations. We hope for a better life and trust that change will bring it. Some of us are in between, wanting change but also fearing the loss of what we have.
Friends, we often hold tightly to our possessions and positions, wanting to secure our future. But God’s vision is bigger. He dreams of a world where everyone has what they need. This is a good time to reflect on our lives. Are we helping to build a world where everyone is cared for? Or are we part of systems that keep people down? Friends, for our joy to be complete this season we must be charitable, forgiving, just, and modest in our actions. Also, we have to seek reconciliation and live in peace with one another. Above all, we must shun all acts that are capable of making life difficult for others. Brothers and sisters, we need patience and constancy in prayer. These are very important spiritual virtues. These will lead us to sanctity and the fullness of joy. As we wait joyfully for the fulfillment of God’s promises to us this season, may He fill our hearts with charity and peace of mind. The third Sunday of Advent Year C invites us to welcome the change Jesus brings. It encourages us to look beyond our comfort and seek God’s bigger plan. By doing this, we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming and help create a more just and loving world. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
I Wish You and Your Family a Very Prayerful Third Sunday of Advent Season
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
