READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A, SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER, 2025.
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Psalm: 145
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM.
REJOICE, GOD IS COMING TO SAVE US.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent, Year A. Today is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is a Latin word for “rejoice.” The Third Sunday of Advent is a call to hope in the midst of waiting. Many people seem to have lost hope in waiting. Our world today seems to be filled with bad news. Many people have questioned from where shall come our help? How can we restore hope and joy to our families, communities and the whole world.
Today’s liturgical celebration urges us to rejoice. The prophet Isaiah echoes: “Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult, let the wasteland rejoice and bloom, let it rejoice and sing for joy.” (Isaiah 35:1-2). St. Paul urges us to, “rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4-5). St. Paul encourages us to “be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The prophet Zephaniah encourages Jerusalem and Israel to shout out for joy. (Zephaniah 3:14-18). The prophet Isaiah gives the same instruction. He says, “Shout with exultation, O city of Zion.” (Isaiah 12:6).
The big questions are: How can we rejoice in the midst of uncertainties and “clouds of unknowns?” Is God truly coming to save us? How is it possible to rejoice genuinely in the Lord always? In what ways can we bring the Good News of Christ to those who are in need considering our individual and collective worries and doubts?
The prophet Isaiah provides us with answers to these questions. He says: “Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, ‘Courage! Do not be afraid. ‘Look, your God is coming, He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4). We rejoice because our Lord, the Messiah is in our midst. The Lord is near to us to deliver us from all our worries and doubts. The Lord is great, He is the Holy One of Israel. He is our Liberator.
In today’s First Reading, the prophet Isaiah envisions deserts blooming, the weak strengthened and the blind seeing. This vision is a promise that life will break forth where death seemed final. (Isaiah 35:1-6, 10). Today’s Psalmist reminds us that God’s faithfulness sustains creation. It opens hands to satisfy every living thing. (Psalm 145). St. James in the Second Reading, urges patience, like farmers awaiting harvest, trusting that God’s timing ripens justice. (James 5:7-10). In today’s Gospel according to Matthew, John’s question from prison echoes our own doubts, yet Jesus answers with signs of healing and renewal.
Today’s liturgical celebration reminds us that, Advent is not escape from suffering but courage within it. Joy is born when we trust that God is already at work. God transforms barrenness into abundance and despair into songs of everlasting gladness. Hence, as Christians, we are invited to spread the message of peace, hope, love and joy. We are the bearers of the Good News. Like Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the Lord God has been given to us, for the Lord has anointed us. He has sent us to bring Good News to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord. (Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19).
This is the mission statement of Jesus Christ. The Mission of Jesus Christ is the mission of the Church and our Mission too. Charity towards others and sharing our blessings with those experiencing challenges restore us to happiness and joy. This is what God expects us to do in Christ Jesus.
Together, let us restore hope, peace, love and joy to our lives, families, communities and the whole world. Let us be patient, stand firm in faith and rejoice for the Lord is coming. He comes to save us.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM.