Sunday of the Third Week of Advent: December 13, 2009 Readings: Zep. 3: 14-18, Is. 12: 2-6, Phil. 4: 4-7, Luke 3: 10-18

Readings: Zep. 3: 14-18, Is. 12: 2-6, Phil. 4: 4-7, Luke 3: 10-18

The full text of Monday’s readings and gospel is available online at United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website

http://www.usccb.org/nab/ Fr. Nickolas Becker O.S.B.– Campus Minister, SJU nbecker@csbsju.edu

The third Sunday in Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday – literally, Rejoice Sunday. This Sunday is a bit of a breather before we enter the final stretch of Advent. The readings of the day echo the theme. In the first reading, the prophet Zephaniah concludes his book of prophecy – which has more than its fair share of doom and gloom – with a note of joyful expectation: “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you with his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.”

Paul picks up this theme in the second reading, from his letter to the Philippians. After dealing with a number of concerns regarding the Church in that city, he is forceful in his call to joy: “I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.” There is no room for gloom in Phillipi!

Looking at these readings, I am reminded that the Christian story is ultimately a comedy, not a tragedy. Despite the very real problems and challenges in my life – and in the life of our community and our world – there is real reason for hope here: Jesus Christ has come and will come again, bringing salvation for His people. Perhaps the best way to rejoice is to follow the advice of John the Baptist in today’s Gospel: living justly in our personal and professional lives, and humility before the One whose sandal thongs we are unworthy to loosen.

So, even in the midst of trying times and final exams rejoice!

Come, Lord Jesus!