Greetings on this the Third Sunday of Advent
Readings: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
Resources
Advent cross section:
- The Four Weeks of Advent (readings from the three year cycle) can be found here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/three-year-cycle-four-week-advent.pdf
- A Short teaching on Advent: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-advent.pdf
- The Three Songs of Advent: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/threesongsofadvent.pdf
Summary
Gaudete, i.e. Rejoice! That’s what we should do! The Christ has come and will come again!
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. (Phil 4:4-5)
The unifying theme of the Third Sunday of Advent (across the three cycles) is to:
- Overcome self-doubt.
- Humbly accept life as it is.
- Seek a righteous way of living (today – your kindness).
Our Joy is we no longer need to doubt the divine interest in our life. We no longer need to doubt our self-worth and how God sees us. We have a pathway of a rule of living that prepares us even more for the intimate love of the divine.
Reflection
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals (Zep 3:17-18a).
One initially must be puzzled by the gospel portion for today. Our theme is Rejoice! But the crowd has heavier thoughts than rejoice: penance.
What should we do? A cross section by station and employment.
- Plenty of things? Share.
- Plenty of food? Share.
- Public Official? Stop stealing.
- Military? Stop extorting people, stop making false witness and be responsible with your station in life (the authority).
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
But John was self-possessed. He knew who he was and who was to come. He wasn’t puffed up. And he made note that this Christ will give a gift beyond all known gifts: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Holy Spirit and fire. The very nature of the divine as a gift to you.
So… Rejoice!
Personal Reflection
Ten days to Christmas! The wait is almost over.
Maranatha!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry