3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B (Gaudete Sunday): Homily by Fr Justin Adiele
THEME: “ANOINTED TO BRING JOY TO THE PEOPLE”
INTRODUCTION:
Today is the third Sunday of Advent, otherwise called Gaudate Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. The joy of Christmas is closer at hand. We are therefore called to be an instrument of bringing forth joy or rejoicing in the midst of our people, our community and our family. We can and must be part of joy bringers or dealers in our own little ways; and be the reason why many or few will sing for joy this season.
THE FIRST READING (IS. 61: 1–2. 10–11)
I took my theme from this first reading which began with the statements; “the spirit of God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings (joy) to the afflicted…” We have to carefully discern what or which spirit is really upon us or driving us this period and what anointing we carry. Is it the spirit of the world or the spirit of God; is it the anointing to bring good or evil to the people around us? But he who carries the spirit and anointing of God this season like Isaiah, would surely be driven to alleviate the problems, pains and sorrows of others rather than intensify them. He/she will be part of any art/act of helping the afflicted, healing the broken hearted, liberating the captives or prisoners, bringing forth and causing joy to spring up again among the people around us.
THE SECOND READING (1 THESS. 5: 16–24)
In the second reading, St. Paul mandated us to always rejoice in all circumstances; for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. Do not quench the spirit of joy in you or in others because of what you are passing through. Don’t be immune to smile because of your situation. Abstain from every form of evil against self, against others or against God to feel right. Avoid doing anything rash that would bring about negative consequences to you and others around you and cost them their joy this festive period. Avoid over indulgence in thinking (anxiety), drinking, and carefree or indifference attitude this period. You must rejoice with others!
THE GOSPEL READING (JN. 1: 6–8. 19–28)
In the gospel reading, John the Baptist was sent as a voice and a witness to the light, and also a witness to that joy which is to come; Christ the Emmanuel who would save his people. John became the talk of the town for the right reasons, bringing new hope to the people, and attracting many, including the priests, the Levites, and even the Pharisees who are beginning to feel the impact of his joyful message; and who began inquiring if John was actually the Christ, or Elijah or the prophet. Like John, we can be witnesses to the Christmas joy to others; and like John, we must not have all the resources in the world to be able to do that.
CONCLUSION
In her book “Return to love”, Marianne Williamson points out that a friend said to her, “Marianne, I am so depressed by world human hunger!” Marianne replied: “Do you give five dollars a week to one of the organizations that feed the hungry?” of cause no was the reply. She goes on to say she asks this question because she has noticed how people who participate in solving problems don’t seem to be as depressed as those standing on the sidelines doing nothing. This joyful season, have you really gone out of your way to help someone, to bring joy or laughter to someone? Or do you stand at your corner saying will this Christmas really be celebrated with rate of hardship in the world? We are all anointed to bring forth joyful tidings to the world this period!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin