HOMILY: 3RD SUNDAY IN ADVENT – YEAR B

HOMILY: 3RD SUNDAY IN ADVENT – YEAR B

THEME: Witnessing Like John the Baptist

BY: Fr. Uchenna Onyejiuwa

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I welcome you all to the third Sunday of Advent. Today is traditionally known as Gaudéte Sunday which means the Sunday of Joy or Joyful Sunday, if you like. It comes from the first word of the Opening Antiphon which reads: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” So the liturgy today is inviting us to put on the garment of joy because our season of waiting is coming to a glorious end, and that is why the colour of our vestment is rose instead of the usual purple.

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The second reading of today sets the pace for this theme of rejoicing, enjoining us to be happy at all times. Equally in the first reading, which is the prophecy that Jesus read at the beginning of His public ministry and declared its fulfilment in Himself, Isaiah exclaims: “I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God…” However, this theme of Joy appears to be lacking in the Gospel of today, which is the Johannine version of last Sunday’s Gospel according to St. Mark with emphasis on John the Baptist’s role as Christ’s witness (which he perfected with his martyrdom). It should be recalled that John had already rejoiced in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth at the visit of the Mother of Christ. It was the joy of one who felt the presence of the Messiah. So, what the Gospel is teaching us today is what is expected of those who rejoice in the Lord – Witnessing. The joy of the Lord should motivate us to be his authentic witnesses just like John the Baptist.

My brethren, when our Lord Jesus Christ called His Apostles, He did not call them because He was feeling lonely and needed companions but because he wanted them to be His witnesses, even unto martyrdom, the highest point of witnessing. In the same vein, we have been called through the Sacrament of Baptism to follow in the footsteps of John and the Apostles to become authentic witnesses to the Light of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ. For it is the only way we can be sure of entering into the greater joy of His presence when he comes in His glory. It is quite unfortunate that many nowadays prefer to be witnesses to speak for darkness because of the quick and temporary satisfaction they hope to find in it. And that is why the ills of the world are multiplying by the day. For when we witness to the Light virtues are multiplied, and when we witness to darkness we multiply vices. Hence, to sustain this joy we must hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil while we wait eagerly for the glorious coming of our saviour. May nothing hinder us from entering into the joy of His presence when He appears. Wishing you a great week ahead. Peace be with you. (First reading, Is 61:1-2,10-11; second reading, 1 Thess 5:16-24; gospel, Jn 1:6-8, 19-28).

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