Today is the Third Sunday of Advent also known as the Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete Sunday is always the Third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, Lutheran Churches, and other mainline Protestant churches.
The term “Gaudete” is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The theme expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration.
Why do we have to rejoice? We have to rejoice because we already have the signs of our salvation. The coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
In the first reading, we foresee a land where the king rules in justice, just like now in Metro Manila where criminals on the Most Wanted Persons list are now being hunted and arrested by the police by virtue of arrest warrants issued by the courts.
In the second reading, we are encouraged to be patient. We can say that the S.A.F.E. program being implemented by the National Capital Region Police Office is timely, relevant, and significant in our times wherein the works of the policemen are seen, appreciated, and felt by the citizenry.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hears, 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.” Jesus is telling us that we must look at what we see before us.
How do we show the people that we have faith in God and Jesus and that we are ready to receive salvation? Simple, we do charitable works like caring for the marginalized, feeding the hungry; giving drink to the thirsty; clothing the naked; giving shelter; visiting the sick; burying the dead, and if we can afford “to ransom the captive. Meditate on the Incarnation of Christ and be patient as we wait with joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
As we live our lives as Christians, let us make the life of Jesus a reality in our own lives. For example, I know that there are many people out there, the members of the media (radio, broadcast, and print); bishops, priests, seminarians, religious brothers, and nuns are observing me. Indirectly, quietly, or directly, they might ask me: Are you the one who can help me? Who can bring me salvation in this mess? or do I look for another?
We can say that even now, there are people who are searching for truth, searching for Jesus, and searching for salvation. You identify yourself as a Catholic. You attend Holy Mass and receive the sacraments, and yet people scrutinize your actions, look into your life, and question your being a Catholic.
You have been baptized. You have been confirmed. John the Baptist declared in last Sunday’s Gospel, he only baptized with water, but the One who is to come would baptize in the Fire of the Holy Spirit.
Having been marked with the signs of Baptism and Confirmation, and having been joined into Christ’s Mystical Body in Holy Communion, the Church now sends you into the world around us. With Jesus, you are now the one being sent.
And so as baptized and confirmed Christians, as a representative of Christ openly living the Christian life, we will encounter people who will judge our lives.