Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice!
This Sunday, being the Third Sunday of Advent, is referred to as Gaudete Sunday. “Gaudete” means “Rejoice!” We rejoice that Christmas is coming!
But when I began reflecting on our Gospel reading (Matthew 11:2-11), I found myself thinking about things that were not so joyful. In our Gospel reading, John the Baptist is in prison because of his challenges to King Herod about, among other things, his marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias. In prison, John sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, when Jesus comes to the Jordan River to be baptized, John recognizes Jesus for who He is (Matthew 3:13-17). But I can understand why John asks the question. I can imagine that there were some other questions behind that question: “If you are the Messiah, why am I still in prison? Why is Herod still king? Why are the Romans still here?” Perhaps we find ourselves asking similar questions today.
Jesus doesn’t respond to those things that may have been on John’s mind. Instead, He replies, “Go and tell, John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
All those things that Jesus said were true, but if I was in John’s place, I might have still wondered, “What about justice? What about me?”
Talking about this, a friend reminded me about patience (See our second reading – James 5:7-10). And that led me to reflect on from where our joy as believers comes. Our joy does not come from the defeat or destruction of our enemies. It does not come from being in a circumstance where I have the necessities of life while others are going without. It does not come from turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to what is going on in the world, or being in denial of what is going on with us. Even in the midst of chaos, or distress or sorrow, our joy comes from the love and the faithfulness of God.
In faith, we can see that what Jesus was saying to John’s disciples is still going on today. There are still miracles that happen, and many other things that are not recognized as miracles, but are miracles just the same. There are people who were dead inside and have found life in Christ.
The love and faithfulness of God calls for a response. We are called to work for justice and peace and healing. We are called to make room for Jesus, so that our eyes and ears are open to the injustice that still exists and to the needs of the poor. We are called to open our hearts to others, to recognize that the poor and the marginalized are worth having “good news proclaimed to them.” We are called to help those who have been muted to be heard. We are called to help lift up those who have been crippled by poverty and discrimination. Following Jesus will involve the Cross. Jesus did not stop what happened to John. He didn’t even stop His own crucifixion. But we are given the grace and strength to carry our own crosses in the peace and joy of knowing God loves us and is with us.
We need not look for another. Jesus is the One. Let us rejoice and open our hearts to Him! May we proclaim and share His love to a world in need of healing.
I welcome any comments or questions. Thanks for your time.
In Christ Who Is to Come,
Phil, CP
