READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C, SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER, 2024.
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm: 12
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM.
REJOICE.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A sincere welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C. Today is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is a Latin word for “rejoice.” My reflection today, focuses on the term rejoice. My aim in this reflection is to examine how we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of the term rejoice. I will explain in this reflection, how rejoicing can be a source of strength and hope in our journey of life.
The term “rejoice” has profound theological and existential implications. From a theological perspective, the word rejoice is closely linked to the joy of salvation. The word rejoice exemplifies the presence of God. In this context, rejoicing is connected to themes of grace, redemption, hope and eternal life. Theology from the existential point of view, addresses questions of meaning, purpose, existence and the human condition. As people of faith, we often grapple with the tension between human suffering and divine hope. We search for meaning that elicits joy.
The big questions are: How can we address the human experience of joy and existence? Can we find purpose and meaning despite existential realities? Is it possible to rejoice genuinely and always? How can rejoicing become a way to affirm life? Can we bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who are in need considering our individual and collective existential challenges? How can we rejoice in the midst of the uncertainties of life? Can our faith provide meaning in the face of life’s challenges?
The Holy Bible provides us with answers to these questions. St. Paul urges us to, “rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” (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 Psalmist acknowledges the transient nature of suffering and the enduring hope of joy. Our journey of faith reflects an existential journey from despair to hope. (Psalm 30:5). The Book of Ecclesiastes affirms that there is, “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). This passage acknowledges that rejoicing is part of the broader existential reality of life.
We all have every reason to rejoice. Our Lord is in our midst. He is great, the Holy One of Israel. The Lord is near. God is expected to deliver us from all our worries. Jesus Christ is the source of our joy. He brings joy to our lives. This joy is not merely an emotional state. This joy is a deep, transformative experience that reflects our relationship with the divine. This joy is a response to God’s love and mercy for us. It is a foretaste of the joy that awaits the followers of Christ. We must joyfully place our trust in God.
We are all invited as Christians to spread this message of 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).
The Mission of Jesus Christ is the Mission of the Church and our Mission too. Our primary Mission is to bring Good News to those who are experiencing difficulties. Charity towards others and sharing our blessings with those experiencing challenges restores us to happiness and joy. As brothers and sisters of Christ and members of His Church, our primary mission is to be Good News to those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
We must reflect Christ’s Light to each other. Let us bring the true Light of Christ to illumine the lives of our brothers and sisters during this Advent season. We must reflect Christ’s love and his unconditional forgiveness through our lives. We are urged to share our love, unconditional forgiveness and humble service to each other. Rejoicing, in this context, becomes a way to affirm life’s purpose and find meaning despite the struggles we face.
Our Lord is in our midst. We are all invited as Christians to spread the message of joy. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the bearers of the Good News. Let us rejoice in the Lord at all times! This is what God expects us to do in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM.