READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C) SUNDAY 12TH DECEMBER, 2021

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 IN THE LORD ALWAYS

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A sincere welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent. Today is also called “Gaudete Sunday”. Gaudete is a Latin word for “rejoice”. The big questions are: How can we rejoice in the midst of the uncertainties of this pandemic clouded with unknowns?. Is it possible to rejoice genuinely in the Lord always? Can we bring the Good News of Christ to those who are in need considering our individual and collective worries?.

St. Paul provides us with answers to these questions. He 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).

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. We must place our trust in Him.

We are all invited as Christians to spread the 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. Let us rejoice in the Lord at all times! This is what God expects us to do in Christ Jesus.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM