Third Sunday of Advent
Last weekend, on the Second Sunday of Advent, I reflected on the theme of “Biblical Joy”. One of the premises of my homily last week was this: “Joy is an attitude God’s people adopt, not because of happy circumstances, but because of their hope in God’s love and promise.”
Today is “Gaudete Sunday,” or “Rejoice Sunday” and I would like to continue reflecting on theme of Christian joy.
Joy is a Verb
Joy does not happen like magic. As I reflected last week, “Joy is an attitude God’s people adopt.” Joy is a gift, but joy also takes effort. Today’s scripture readings help us to understand this.
For example, today’s first reading is from the book of Zephaniah. The entire book consists of merely three chapters. The first chapter announces the “day of doom,” the second chapter the “day of judgement,” and the third chapter the “day of restoration and promise.” Zephaniah's proclamation of joy we heard at the beginning of today’s reading, “Shout for joy, daughter Zion! sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem!”(Zeph 3:24), is preceded by an uncompromised call to repentance and reconciliation.Zephaniah would say, “Woe to the city (Jerusalem)… She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the Lord she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near” (Zeph 3:1-2). Then Zephaniah announced that the Lord will come with his judgement (Zeph 3:5). Zephaniah’s declaration of joy only comes because a small remnant, a people humble and lowly, have listened to God’s call to repentance. Joy followed as a fruit of repentance and reconciliation.
The gospel reading has a similar tone. John the Baptist is a Zephaniah-like figure who preached to the people: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance… Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:7-9). As a result, people begin to ask John, “What then shall we do?” (Luke 3:10). John gave very specific responses. To the crowds he said, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise” (Lk 3:11); to the tax-collectors he said, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed” (Luke 3:13); and, to the soldiers he said, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages” (Luke 3:14). Once again, the bottom line is this – the joy of salvation is the fruit of repentance and reconciliation. Joy is a verb.
The Joy of Reconciliation - I
The theme of reconciliation is integral to Jesus’ incarnation, but often it is overridden by Christmas cuteness. The truth is that Jesus came to reconcile us with God. The joy of Christmas is the joy of humanity reconciled with God. The joy is even more pronounced because this reconciliation is not brought about by threats, violence, or war, but rather, God comes to us as a harmless, gentle, tender, innocent, peaceful, humble, and endearing infant. Reconciling with God is like picking up an infant and holding it close to our hearts. This is the joy of reconciliation.
The Joy of Reconciliation - II
It is true that Jesus came to reconcile us to God. But Jesus also came to reconcile us to one another. John’s response to each group of people that came asking, “What should we do?” is integral to the dawn of God’s reign on earth. John’s response led people to compassion justice, peace, and reconciliation between people.
Much of Jesus’ ministry and message centred around reconciliation among God’s people. Even amidst the conflict between Jews and Romans, not once did Jesus call for hate, revenge, violence or war. Rather, he called for the love of enemies, prayer for those who persecute, blessing for those who curse, and good deeds toward those who do harm. Even hanging on the cross he offered reconciliation and peace to all. Repentance, reconciliation, and peace are essential dimension of God’s reign on heart.
There is joy in reconciling with God. But this joy is complete when our reconciliation with God leads us to reconciliation with one another. Herein lies the secret of Christian joy.
I said at the beginning of the homily: “Joy is an attitude God’s people adopt, not because of happy circumstances, but because of their hope in God’s love and promise.” Joy comes from adopting an attitude of reconciliation - with God and with one another. May the joy that is promised at the coming of Christ be ours this Christmas because are reconciled people. Amen.
- Fr. Satish Joseph