3rd Sunday Advent - Year C

Step by step we are processing to the nearness of God.  The step to be taken this week is symbolized in the pink candle we light on the Advent wreath.  The mission we receive through the readings of this Sunday is to rejoice.  And that is a special type of rejoicing.  The special nature of this rejoicing unravels itself in today’s 2nd reading from Philippians (4:4-7).

Paul’s enthusiastic exhortation, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” and his repeated affirmation of the same, “Rejoice!” become pregnant with  unusual meaning if we are aware of the circumstances he and his beloved Philippian converts happened to be in.  Paul was writing  from jail and Paul’s readers in Philippi were about to experience the pain of persecution.

The circumstances of both the author and his audience force us to attend to his advice with the utmost seriousness.  They emerge from – and are directed to – what some would call the dark and seamy  side of the human experience.  As Paul’s words to the Philippians are read in our hearing this Advent, 2009, they call for authentic joy amid the pain of war; true joy despite the car-bombings, terrorist threats and attacks, deep joy despite the disappointment of poor leadership, bad example, moral scandal etc.  Paul knew that joy was possible because, as he assured his readers then, and assures his readers  now – “The Lord is near” (v.15)

The same trend we find in the first reading (Zeph. 3:14-18) also.  Two times the prophet exults in the fact that the Lord is in our midst.  This realization should strike a joyful chord in the hearts of all who believe. “Shout for joy!” commands the prophet.  “Sing! Be glad! Fear not!”.  When we come to the gospel (Lk. 3:10-18), we find John the Baptist encouraging joy in us… joy over what God has done and will do.  It is a joy that is anchored to an assurance of God’s love and presence in human life.  It is a joy that is wonderful because it is kindled amid circumstances in which joy is least expected.

Our waiting for God and for Jesus is also to be patient and open-ended.  Mary exhibited this manner of spirituality in her waiting when she said, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk. 1:38).