Gaudete Sunday – Mission: Joyful
Third Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 7
The first Sunday of Advent woke us up, reminding us that we do not know when our Lord will return in judgment.
The second Sunday of Advent called us to prepare for the day of the Lord by giving us a glimpse of his glorious kingship, and called us to repentance.
This third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday. It is “rejoice” Sunday, because our waiting is nearly at an end. It is joyful because we have heard the call to repentance, and prepared our hearts. It is joyful because we give thanks for the many gifts God has given us to enjoy, and even for the difficulties God has helped us through.
In Isaiah, the prophet tells of a day the dry land will rejoice, and bloom with flowers. The prophet tells of a day the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will be cleared, the lame will leap like a stag, and the tongue of the mute will sing. These are all things that only God can do.
Some of the things the prophet describes were fulfilled literally by Jesus. John sent his disciples to see these things for themselves. The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised. Some of these physical miracles we still see today, though our faith is so weak that miracles are less common, and we often talk ourselves out of accepting those we see.
All of the things the prophet describes are fulfilled spiritually in the kingdom of heaven. Our spiritual eyes and ears are opened. We learn to walk according to the law of love. Addicts recover. Souls who were once sad are able to sing. The hard, dry places in our lives become places where we can find joy, like flowers in the desert.
But, the prophet does not only describe what God did, and does, and will do. The prophet also gives us a mission.
“Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.”
As a result of the joy in our hearts, we are called to help others experience joy, also.
This is a difficult time of the year for many of our neighbors.
Perhaps they are burdened with sadness, because they have no family with whom to celebrate, or because this is the first Christmas without a loved one. Perhaps their resolve to stay sober is weak, because of their sorrow.
Perhaps they are weary and burdened with anxiety, because they cannot afford gifts, or because they used too much credit.
Perhaps this is the time of year where they think about coming back to Church, but they are afraid. Perhaps they are afraid that people will see them, and make unkind comments about how long it has been since they were in church. Or, perhaps they are simply afraid they will not be welcomed.
How can we share the hope and joy of Christmas with those who are weak, tired, or afraid?
Ultimately, we want to do what John the Baptist did for his disciples. We want to help them see Jesus. But, how do we do that?
One way to do that is to renew our commitment to living out the corporal works of mercy in our lives, so others can see Jesus in us.
Feed the hungry, and give drink to the thirsty.
Shelter the homeless.
Visit the sick and prisoners.
Give money to the poor
Bury the dead.
This last one deserves a little explanation. We don’t leave corpses to rot in our streets, or in garbage dumps, as they did in the past. How do we bury the dead? We can pray for the dead, which is one of the spiritual works of mercy. Another way to “bury the dead” is to send a card to the family of someone who lost a loved one.
James tells us to wait with patience, and not to complain about one another.
Invite people to Christmas mass. When they come, just welcome them joyfully. Just say “I am so happy to see you.” There is no need to say “it has been so long” — they know. Christmas mass is no time to be critical or judgmental. It is a time of joy. Welcome them joyfully.
The most important way we can share this joy we have is to live with joy. Just joy. Not joy with complaining, criticizing, and gossip. Just joy. The others drive people away from the church, and away from the opportunity to see Jesus. Set them aside. The world has enough of complaining, criticizing, and gossip. They are no good for any of us, and I speak to myself here, as well. If we have not already prepared our hearts by setting them aside, it is not too late. There is still time to set them aside, and let this be a season of joy.
This is our mission, to bring the joy of the Lord to our family, our friends, our neighbors, and the world around, as we wait in joyful hope for the day of the Lord’s appearing.
