17.12.2023 – Villanueva del Arzobispo – Iznatoraf (Jaén)

The Joy of Witnessing to the Light

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11, Psalm: Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54, 1Thess 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28

Every third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called the Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word Gaudete – “Rejoice”. The spirit of Advent is one of expectation and preparation for the feast of Christmas, however the penitential exercises suitable to that spirit are suspended on Gaudete Sunday for a while, in order to symbolize that joy and gladness in the promised Redemption. In other words, while the theme of Advent is a focus on the coming of Jesus in three ways: his first (Christmas), his present, and his final Advent (parousia), the readings for Gaudete Sunday deal with rejoicing in the Lord – Christian joy – as well as the mission of John the Baptist and his connection with Advent.

This theme of joy permeates through the readings. We read for example: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God” (Isaiah); “My spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour” (Psalm); “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances (1Thess). In the gospel (John) joy is replaced with light and witnessing. Thus, we see that all the readings today are brimful of joy and hope. Israel radiates as a joyful bride coming to her bridegroom adorned for a lavish, oriental wedding. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians continue the theme of hope and joy in a community that lives by the life of Christ. And the evangelist John, in the gospel, pictures the work of John the Baptist, who came to witness to God’s light upon this earth.

However, this is not a joyousness without responsibility. It is a joy that is found when people find and carry out their true mission in life. The Prophet Isaiah describes the ministry of the Messiah as one anointed and sent to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, comfort all who mourn, and liberty to the captives. Jesus as we read in Luke 4:16-21 confirmed these words as describing his own life’s purpose.  

Today we celebrate the spiritual joy that marks the Christian faith, that we are waiting for the coming of the Lord, and our entry into a life of eternal communion with God. However, that joy is incomplete except we indicate our willingness to share in the ministry of the Messiah, that is to say, our willingness to bear our share of the Christian work-load, to do our bit, in our time, to realize the goals of Jesus in our world. Those privileged to share in Jesus’ spiritual life must also share in his concerns and desires. We call this witnessing.

We are invited to become witnesses, sharers in the Messianic ministry of bringing good news to the oppressed, binding up the brokenhearted, comforting all who mourn, and liberty to the captive. As we prepare for Christmas, let us not forget those on the margins of society – the poor, the needy, the lonely, the oppressed and the depressed. While we buy and stock up goodies to wine and dine with our families and friends, for example, remember to spay some of your resources and time to bring joy to the poor ones especially those outside your circles. While you buy Christmas gifts to your husband, wife, children and relatives do not forget the orphans and the widow. The joy of the gospel becomes practical when we are able to share our material and spiritual riches with our neighbours always.

Christmas is around the corner. Advent is almost coming to an end. Have you done your Advent Retreat? Have you gone for your Advent Confession? Have you done your Advent Charity? If you haven’t then hurry up because just this week is left. Never celebrate Christmas this year without going through the Advent preparations sanctifying yourself so that “your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thess 5:23).

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…