+ 13 December AD 2020 +

Reflection for Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

 Are you aware that the Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete “Rejoice” Sunday? The term “gaudete” is a Latin term which means “rejoice.” On this day, the Church invites us to rejoice, be glad and be joyful. Of course, some of us might wonder if there is any reason at all to rejoice and be glad in the midst of all the gory tales of 2020. Today’s readings answer in the affirmative. We have many reasons to rejoice! Drawing from the readings, we shall reflect on four reasons: 

1. THE LORD IS COMING TO YOU WITH GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY! 
Our world today seems inundated with bad news of all sorts. Yet, in our First Reading, prophet Isaiah assures us that our Savior whose coming we anticipate comes to us with glad tidings. The prophet assures us that the anointed one will come to set us free from all the things holding us captive and heal the broken hearted. In fact, the prophet tells us that despite the gloom and afflictions of the year, the Savior will come to proclaim a year of God’s favor to us! Like Isaiah, we must rejoice heartily in the Lord, for only in God is the joy of our soul. 

2. THE ALMIGHTY HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR YOU!
The Responsorial Psalm of today, drawing from the Magnificat of Mary challenges us to reflect on the numerous ways in which God has worked his wonders in our lives this year, and in gratitude to God, compose our own Magnificat – our song of praise in appreciation of God’s goodness. In the midst of all that you have been through this year, the fact remains that to the extent that you are reading this right now, you can indeed say that the almighty has done great things for you: God has shown mercy to you, come to your aid in times of need and looked upon you with mercy and kindness. For these your spirit must rejoice in God your Savior! 

3. IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT YOU BE HAPPY AND REJOICE AT ALL TIMES! 
St. Paul in the Second Reading tells us that it is the will of God that we be of good cheers in the midst of all Life’s circumstances. However, he adds that to truly rejoice, we must retain what is good and refrain from every kind of evil. We cannot achieve true peace and joy while at the same time conducting our affairs in ways that displease God. To rejoice in every circumstance, we must determine to please God in all things. 

4. THE BIRTHDAY OF OUR SAVIOR IS NEAR! 
Gaudete Sunday serves as a mid-point break from the penitential atmosphere associated with the advent season. “We are over halfway through our advent Journey.” Indeed, we are just a few days away from the birthday of the savior, the one of whom John bore witness to in the Gospel. We are privileged to be counted among the living in the midst of all that has happened this year. This is a cause for great joy! Like John, let us continue to bear witness to the presence of Christ as we rejoice in anticipation of his birthday! 

While we have every reason to be happy and rejoice, the realization of happiness and joy demands certain conditions. The Gospel of today shows us the path to true happiness and inner joy. Humility and Sincerity are key to the realization of true happiness. In order to be genuinely happy, we must have a true estimation of who we are, be contented with who we are and very importantly, make straight the way of the Lord! 

    Fr. Lazarus Onuh