Rejoice!

Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18


Today, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday – Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice”.

Our readings today and the rose colored candle and vestments are to remind us that we are called to be a “joyful” people – not just a “happy” people – but a “joyful” people – and that we are called to radiate our joy to others – those around us.
But it goes a little further than that – we are called to be a “joyful” people not only when things are going well in our lives but also when things aren’t going so well.

All too often we let the routine of our daily lives dull our senses and steal this joy – that is ours – away from us – all too often we let the problems of our lives and the problems in the world steal this joy – that is ours – and pull us down – we may even fall into anxiety or despair over things that we really have little or no control over.

So it is good, it is actually spiritually healthy – that today we take a step back and look at the big picture – and what is the big picture – that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. Therein lies our joy. For God did not send His son to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. That's the Good News!

In our first reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah we hear that we are to “Shout for joy; to sing joyfully; and, to be glad and to exult with all our hearts. And WHY is this – because he says our salvation is at hand – because God comes not to judge – but to save and to renew – but not only that – we are also to rejoice because the Lord, our God, is in our midst, He is here with us.

In our Second Reading, the apostle Paul – even while in prison and with his life in jeopardy – urges the Philippians – and each of us today – that we must rejoice for the Lord is with us. The abiding presence of our caring God is enough assurance that we will triumph in our battle against all evil.

“Have no anxiety at all,” he says, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” We are to put all of our trust in God – and when we do that – then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds and we will find joy in all circumstances.

And in our Gospel reading from Luke, the coming of the Lord as proclaimed by John the Baptist should make us even more joyful. “I am baptizing you with water,” he said, “but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

We Christians are people of the Good News. We must be joyful people because our faith is anchored on a God who is victorious over all and in all. Amidst all the uncertainties around us, we must have that joy that comes from Christ Jesus in our hearts and we must be ready and willing to share that joy with others, especially to those who are in most need of it.

“What should we do?” the crowds asked John – and perhaps that is our question today to – what should we do? John’s answer was simple and direct – whoever has more than they need should share what they have with those in need. And what we will find that in doing that – in giving we will receive – we will receive joy in our hearts and our kindness will be known to all.

Perhaps we might think that the little we might have to share won’t make a difference – but it will – and if enough people changed their lifestyles and if politicians and government leaders changed their hearts – we could eliminate much of the pain and suffering in this world.

Perhaps a familiar story will help: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”

That is what we have to do – we aren’t called to save the world – but just a small part of it – who is it in your life who needs your help?

The Advent season is a period of joyful anticipation for the coming of Christ into our hearts. May we welcome him warmly by making others – all of those we meet – as joyful as we are. Christianity is a joyful religion. The birth of our Savior brings joy to the world. He is the only source of true joy that this world has to offer.
Only Jesus can give us the strength to overcome the challenges and difficulties of life. Patience is essential if we are to be joyful and never allow ourselves to be crushed by the difficulties of life.

Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18).

In closing let me offer one more story:
There was a priest who went to work with some poor people in a village in the mountains of northern America. He was deeply impressed by one old man, who despite having no running water, no electricity and little food, was so joyful.
“How come you’re so happy when you have so little?” asked the priest.
“Because I know Jesus,” replied the old man. “But I know Jesus as well.” “No. You might know about Jesus in your head, but not in your heart.”

My friends, if we only know about Jesus in our heads we will never realize true joy. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in all circumstances give thanks to God – Amen!