Nearer to Thee

Greetings on this the Third Sunday of Advent
Readings: Is 61:1-2A, 10-11; Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Notes

I hope you enjoyed the deep dive we took last week on John the Baptist who was a friend and loved all who came to him. We are now in the seven days before Christmas and the readings are of particular character. We deep dived the mission of John and today we deep dive the mission of Jesus. As the week progresses we are treated to the marvelous stories of the announcing of John and Jesus, the great Yes of Mary and her immediate mission of grace to Elizabeth. Really a set of weekday readings not to be missed!

References – Blog

http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/12/16/a-true-and-good-friend/
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/12/14/matthew-eulogizes-john/

References – Papers / Teachings

https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/threesongsofadvent.pdf
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-advent.pdf

Summary

The mission of Jesus is the theme of the third Sunday of Advent. We rejoice and the visible sign are the rose vestments – a sign of joy. From our first reading today we highlight the Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance. We rejoice heartily because: God is the joy of my soul, he clothes me with a robe of salvation, he wraps me in a mantel of justice, he ornamates me with a diadem and jewels, he causes the earth to bring forth plants and gives me a garden. And, finally, the LORD makes justice and peace spring up for all nations.

What’s not to be happy about?

Reflection

Gaudete Sunday we rejoice at the nearness of the LORD’s coming. As he did in the Nativity and Incarnation and promises in the Second Coming. We rejoice because his benefits he showers upon us. But most of all, we rejoice at his nearness. His very touch and breath upon us gives us comfort. And his humility coming as a baby born of woman, resting in a manger, gives us the comfort of the nearness of God. These things I outlined above in the Summary are the personal gifts and efforts of God. The robe, diadem and jewels are visible representations of the interior love.

Personal Reflection

Have you ever changed a baby’s diaper? The most and best part is the trust and pure love the baby expresses for tending to her/him. Yes, it is a diaper, true. But for the baby it is eclipsed by the obvious nearness and love that brings you face to face with the baby as you gently change and clean the baby bottom. We want to get rid of the poop and prevent diaper rash. The baby is content to gaze into your eyes and love. I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul.

First Reading

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God.

Responsorial (gospel of Luke)

My soul rejoices in my God.

Second Reading

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.

Gospel

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry