Advent Sunday Reflections: Rejoice in the Lord Always
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" - John the Baptist (Luke 3:8)
Advent Sunday Reflections: Rejoice in the Lord Always
My dear brothers and sisters, today, on this joyous Third Sunday of Advent, our readings come from Zephaniah 3.14-18, Philippians 4.4-7, and the Gospel according to Luke 3.10-18. These readings invite us to embrace a spirit of exultation and anticipation.
Zephaniah proclaims, “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion! Shout joyfully, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” (Zephaniah 3:14). This jubilant call echoes through the ages, urging us to cast aside our worries and embrace the profound joy that awaits us.
Saint Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, reinforces this message, urging us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). He reminds us that our joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our unwavering faith in Christ.
This joy, as Saint Teresa of Ávila beautifully expressed, is a “gift from God, a supernatural light that fills the soul with peace and happiness.” It is a joy that transcends our understanding and fills us with a sense of profound peace and contentment.
In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist, the herald of the coming Messiah, prepares the way for the Lord by calling his listeners to repentance. He exhorts them to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8).
Advent Sunday Reflections: Rejoice in the Lord Always
This call to repentance is not a mere moral exhortation but an invitation to a deeper conversion of heart. It is an invitation to align our lives with the will of God and to embrace a life of love, justice, and compassion.
As we journey through Advent, let us heed the call of Zephaniah, Paul, and John the Baptist. Let us embrace the joy that is our birthright as children of God.
Advent Sunday Reflections: Prepare for the Coming of the Lord
Let us allow the light of Christ to illuminate our hearts and minds, dispelling the darkness of doubt and fear. Let us open ourselves to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who will empower us to live lives of love and service.
In the words of Saint Teresa of Ávila, “Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”
May we, like the prophet Zephaniah, sing aloud with joy and exultation. May we, like Saint Paul, rejoice in the Lord always. And may we, like John the Baptist, prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
