3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE SUNDAY) — YEAR C

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3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE SUNDAY) — YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: MAKING THE WORLD A CITADEL OF JOY

BY: Fr. Isaac Awe

Zeph 3:14-18a; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

John the Baptist was asked today in our gospel text, “Teacher, what shall we do?” to be ready to welcome the Messiah. Let us also ask ourselves what we should do if we mean to welcome Christ sincerely at Christmas. The answer is in the word we have just heard. Are we just and charitable to our fellow-men? If we are employers, are we paying just wage to those who are producing our wealth for us? If we are employees, are we doing honesty day’s work for the pay we are receiving. And both employers and employees must in charity and justice think of the consumer, the third party, when fixing or causing the price of what they produce.

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Christian countries whose citizens profess to be followers of Christ not only do nothing to prevent this state of affairs but instead are even worse offenders than those who have not yet heard about Christ. We can exonerate ourselves by saying “What can we do to make the world a better place?” the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. This implies that we can make the world habitable and peaceful if and only if we are ready to put our consciences in order.

WHAT THEN IS CHRISTIANITY?

At home, it is kindness.

In business, it is honesty.

In society, it is courtesy.

At work, it’s fairness.

Towards the unfortunate, it is sympathy.

Towards the weak, it’s help.

Towards the wicked, it is resistance.

Towards the strong, it is trust.

Towards the penitent, it is forgiveness.

Towards the successful, it is congratulations.

And towards God, it is reverence and obedience.

With John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit begins the restoration to the human race of the “divine likeness”, prefiguring what would be achieved with and in the Lord Jesus. John’s baptism was for repentance — turning away from sin and taking on a new way of life according to God’s word. John said that the Messiah would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God’s glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deut. 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God’s fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us.

Do we want to be on fire for God and for the return of the Lord Jesus when he comes in his glory? Our baptism in Jesus Christ by water and the Spirit results in a new birth and entry into God’s kingdom as his beloved sons and daughters (John 3:5). Jesus is ready to give us the fire of his Spirit that we may radiate the joy and truth of the gospel to a world in desperate need of God’s light and truth. His word has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ. Do we point others to Christ in the way you live, work, and speak?

The true Christian in the world is the leaven which will convert the dough into wholesome healthy bread. We can be, we should be, that energising leaven. If we will not and we do not strive to become so, Christ’s winnowing fan on the day of judgment will put us among the chaff which is destined for the unquenchable fire.

Reflection: Are we ingredients of joy to those around us?

PRAYER: Lord, let your light burn brightly in our hearts that we may know the joy and freedom of your kingdom. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and empower us to witness the truth of your gospel and to point others to Jesus Christ. Amen

Happy Sunday!

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