Third Sunday of Advent: Gaudete! Joy!

Read It:
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Reflect on It: Today’s Gospel is one of great expectation, rejoicing. This Sunday we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. This Third Sunday of Advent is one of great joy. In the midst of our preparation for the coming of the Lord, this is the Sunday where our heart just bursts with love and anticipation of the King. John the Baptist had come to prepare the world for the coming of Christ and soon, he will be here. I think that as we look at the joy that comes today, we should check in with how our Advent is going. Are we truly bursting with a full heart for our Lord or for the gifts we’ll get? What if we had nothing at all on Christmas morning but the Christ child? Today is a day of joy, of anticipation of all the things that are true and beautiful and good. Christ is coming, are you readying your heart the way that we’ve readied our homes?

 

Pray about It: Emmanuel, you are God with us. We wait today with joyful hope for your coming, both at Christmas and in the second coming. Help my heart to be ready for you and the good news you bring. You are our life and fulfillment. I love you! Amen.

 

Live It! Challenge: Today, spread joy wherever you go. Be the bearer of the goodness of God!