Gaudete Sunday

12-13-2020Weekly Reflection

The New Testament writers see this poem of Isaiah fulfilled in Christ, the Messiah. The prophet announces the work of salvation of the Messiah, liberating every soul from captivity. The presence of the word spirit in this poem signifies a special election for the mission entrusted by God.

There is an especial emphasis on joy, prayer, and thanksgiving in the 2nd reading: that is the sign and the true spirit of those who claim to follow the way of Jesus Christ. But Paul also wants the work of the Spirit to grow in the community of Thessalonica. He wants the ontological composition of man: spirit, soul, and body emphasized, for they represent the whole man from different angles.

The Gospel introduces John the Baptist as the witness of the light. John is the lamp that brings the light to the people. He does not have any illusion of being the Messiah and neither a prophet like Elijah. He is just the forerunner or herald preparing the way of the Messiah. He is the messenger: the message (Christ)is the most important not the messenger (John).

The character of John the Baptist introduced on the 2nd and 3rd Sunday of Advent is that of the one who prepares the way of the Lord. His greatness is in his limits, that of being the messenger of the Messiah, the Christ. The beauty of John’s inner disposition, his spirit is summed up in his beautiful words, He must increase (Christ) and I must decrease (John). (Jn. 3:30) John’s role in the history of salvation is unique and singled out only for him. His ascetical lifestyle, detachment from all material things and comfort, the food that he eats, and his dress denounces the shepherds of Israel of that time. He did not claim to be a prophet but clearly sent by God. He did not present himself as a leader and required his followers to conform to his lifestyle. He is simply a witness to someone greater than himself, in fact, everyone else, a witness to the Divine Light. His only ambition is to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the light, each in his capacity. He leads his disciples to this Divine Light. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn. 1:29) And when his mission was done through a fancy of an adulterous woman, lays down his life for the Divine Light.

The world needs men and women today who can be examples and witnesses to Christ the Divine Light. People who are not afraid to stand for the truths of the Gospel, and faithful to the Law of God. John the Baptist reminds us that in the face of opposition and persecution, we must stand firm and not lose heart, but let Christ’s light and goodness shine forth. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9) Because it is when we are weak and vulnerable, the glory and the power of God is perfected in us. Ps. 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

The third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday reminds us of the spirit of joy and hope, remember: There’s always the promise of a new day; there’s always something better to happen; there’s always a star much brighter than the darkest night; there’s always a moment when the impossible becomes possible… all because we believe.