The third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete Sunday”: a Sunday of joy and hope. The birth of our Lord is the cause of our joy: Gaudete in Domino Semper. St. Paul says: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The rose candle brightly burning in the advent wreath and the rose vestments used on this Sunday are symbolic of the joy of the Christian community around the world. Advent proclaims that we are anticipating the coming of Christ, but at the same time, we know that he is already in our midst. What makes our joy different is not the absence of suffering in our lives but our awareness of the presence of Christ even in our sorrows.
We see a lot of warning signs in our daily life, especially when we drive on the road. These signs are meant to help us to reach our destination without any trouble. Some people deliberately ignore the signs and end up in trouble. In today’s Gospel reading, John the Baptist is giving a few warning signs to his listeners. The ordinary people understood the importance of these warnings. That is why they are asking John the Baptist: “What shall we do?” They are searching for some concrete answers that would transform their lives. John gives direct and concise answers: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.” He wants to highlight not only the importance of sharing but also the need to be concerned about our fellow human beings.
Is it a hard thing for us to share our material blessings with others? Once a preacher was delivering an impressive homily in his church on this theme. He asked his favorite person in the congregation: “If you had two houses, would you give one to the poor?” “Yes, indeed,” said the man. “And if you had two cars,” the preacher continued, “you would keep one and give the other away?” “Yes, of course,” the man cheerfully responded. “And if you had two shirts, would you give one away?” “Hey, wait a minute,” said the man, “I have got two shirts.” It is easy for us to say “yes” when there is nothing to lose.
The joy of the Christian life consists in sharing with others our time, talents, and blessings. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta gave us an incredible witness of Gospel joy in our time. She has seen a lot of human suffering every day. Listen to her beautiful words: “We wait impatiently for paradise, where God is, but it is in our power to be in paradise even here on earth and from this moment. Being happy with God means loving like him, helping like him, giving like him, serving like him.” It is the Christian charity, rather than seeking her interests, that motivated Mother Teresa to be attentive to the needs of others.
John the Baptist does not ask the tax collectors who are despised by the Jewish people to change their profession but tells them to tax no more than what has been established. In the same way, he asks the soldiers who enjoyed a certain authority, not to abuse it. The prophet demands from them only to fulfill their duty with utmost honesty. Let the tax collector be a good tax collector, and let the soldier be a good soldier.
How can we get ready to welcome the Messiah during this Christmas season? We must foster gratitude by counting our blessings and focusing on God’s goodness. Then we must be messengers of joy through kindness and encouraging words. On this Gaudete Sunday, let us embrace the joy of knowing that the Lord is near. As we light the rose candle, may it remind us that even in the darkest times, the light of Christ shines brightly.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil