He Who Is Mightier Than I Is Coming
Introduction: May the
Lord Jesus continue to move mightily in your life and fill you with joy so that
you may rejoice always.
Joy is
much more than happiness. Joy requires that a person proactively seeks to
enhance the relationship one has with the Lord Jesus, with others, and with
oneself. The three letters of the word JOY speak about how you connect to
Jesus, Others, and Yourself. If you can develop a sense of Who Jesus is, how
you are called to serve Others, and able to appreciate Yourself and the gifts
GOD has given you, then you can “ReJOYce” always, even amid challenging times.
Gaudete!
Rejoice!
That’s our calling today. It may sound easy, but it demands our full attention
and active participation. The First Reading is a call for the faithful of GOD
to rejoice because the time of GOD’s visitation is near. The Responsorial is
also an exhortation to be glad because GOD is in our midst. In the Second
Reading, St. Paul urges the Philippians to not just rejoice once in a while but
to rejoice always. The Gospel presents the message of St. John the Baptist,
which is primarily a call for repentance (metanoia), but attached to it is a
message of joyful expectation of the Coming (Adventus) of the Lord Messiah.
First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-18 The Lord, the king of
Israel, is in your midst
Commentary:
Zephaniah
prophesies that Jerusalem, the Holy City, sacked by the Babylonians, will be
restored. It will be a day of overwhelming joy when the Lord will truly be king
in Jerusalem. After the exile in Babylon, the Jews returned to Jerusalem.
Still, they were continually dominated by one set of foreign rulers after
another, tossed from one to another as the plaything of their powerful
neighbours. They longed more and more to be free, to have God as their only
ruler. When Jesus came, the kingship of God dominated his whole horizon, but
they failed to recognize the kingship of God in his proclamation and his way of
life. He was not the conquering hero they expected, and the citizens he
gathered into his kingdom were the hungry, the poor, the persecuted, the
disadvantaged, the alienated, the lost, the despised, the crippled, and the
sick. It was to these that he brought joy and rejoicing ‘as on a day of the festival’.
If they failed to see God at work in their life, it was because they were
looking for the wrong sort of God. If we want to share Christ’s joy at
Christmas, we must focus on the right kind of kingship of God.
Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12 The rejoicing of a redeemed
people
The Responsorial (which comes from the Book of the
Prophet Isaiah) continues the exhortation to joyfully anticipate the coming of
the LORD. Those who manifest their readiness for the LORD’s arrival are set
free from fear and can shout with great exultation as the LORD appears in their
midst.
Second Reading Philippians 4:4-7; The Lord is very near
Commentary:
The
encouragement that begins this reading, ‘Be joyful!’, given the third Sunday of
Advent, halfway through the preparation for Christmas, its traditional name of
Gaudete Sunday. However, it is all very well for Paul to tell us not to worry
but to place all our desires before God. In the same vein, the Letter of James
tells us that prayer must be made with faith, without a trace of doubt.
Nevertheless, are our prayers always answered? How can they be, if you pray for
rain while I pray for sunshine? The true prayer of petition is Jesus’ own
prayer, an embrace of the Father in loving confidence that God is just that,
our loving Father. We can think we know what will make us happy, but the only
true recipe for happiness is to leave it to God, in the knowledge that our
human perception is short-sighted and incomplete. Any further prayer must be
provisional. It is almost a game: I think I know what will make me happy, but
on another level, I know that I don’t know, that only God knows best. All I can
do is to cast my worries onto the Lord and leave the rest to him.
Gospel Luke 3:10-18; 'Someone is coming who will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit and fire'
Commentary:
In
this second of the two Sunday gospels about John the Baptist we first hear
details about how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Luke is always
aware of the dangers of wealth and money, so he concentrates on avoiding its
misuse. First, he teaches equal sharing with the needy, no hoarding but generosity.
Then he turns to financial exploitation; tax collectors had to pay for the
right to collect taxes, and would be tempted to extort a nice margin to cover
their own needs. In the same way, soldiers could be tempted to abuse their
power of intimidation by bullying those they were meant to protect. The second
half of John’s task is to point away from himself towards Jesus, who will
baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke’s gospel and the Acts of the
Apostles are full of the Holy Spirit. Luke must have been vividly aware of the
working of the Spirit in the Church, in its ministers of all kinds, and the
life of the Christian communities. He warns also of the fierce fire that will
purge away impurities; for John the Messiah is a stern figure who will burn
away the rubbish in human hearts to make room for the Spirit.
Reflection: Why did
thousands come out to hear John the Baptist preach? And what was so unusual
about his message? When John the Baptist appeared on the public scene and began
to prophesy the whole nation of Israel took notice. It had been many hundreds
of years since a prophet had spoken out and performed signs in the land of
Israel. John broke the long silence with the sudden announcement that the
Messiah (God's Anointed One) was about to appear. God had long ago promised his
people through the patriarchs of the old covenant (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob),
and through the prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, etc.) and rulers of
Israel (Moses, David), that he would send them a Redeemer who would save them
from their sins, free them from oppression, fill them with the joy of his
presence (Zephaniah 3:17), and bring them his everlasting kingdom of peace and
righteousness.
John
brought 'good news' to the people: The people recognized that John was an
extraordinary man of God and a true prophet who spoke in God's name. They came
out to hear the "good news" (Luke 3:18) which he preached to them.
And they willingly submitted to his baptism of repentance at the River Jordan
where he preached. John's task was to wake people up from spiritual sleep and
indifference and to turn them back to hear God's voice and obey his
commandments. John wanted the people to be in a good place to receive the
Messiah and follow him.
Luke
mentions two groups in particular who came to John for spiritual renewal - tax
collectors and Jewish soldiers who belonged to the Roman peace-keeping force.
Both groups were regarded as being spiritually unfit and unclean by the Jewish
authorities and were treated as outcasts. John welcomed them with open arms
along with all the multitude of people who came to hear the "good
news" and be baptized in the cleansing waters of the River Jordan.
John's
message of repentance: John's message of renewal and repentance was
very practical. He told the people three things: First, every follower of God
must share what they possess (their personal goods and resources) with their
neighbors, especially with those who lack the basic necessities of life. John
recognized that this was a key duty for every individual and an outward
expression of the great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself
(Leviticus 19:18).
Second,
John pointed out the sacred duty to give each and every person what is their
due and to not take from them what rightfully belongs to them. God commands
that each person be treated with respect and that honor be given where honor is
due. John told the tax collectors that they must not coerce people to pay more
tax money than what was rightfully due. (Tax collectors often made handsome
profits for themselves by overcharging other people.) John instructed soldiers
to not abuse their authority or power to compel people to give or do things for
them beyond what was rightful and their due. (It was not uncommon for soldiers
to abuse their position to force people to carry their heavy equipment for them
or to rob them of their goods.) John did not tell them to leave their
profession but to be good, honest, and respectful soldiers.
Thirdly,
John exhorted his listeners to be content with what they had and to avoid
coveting (wrongfully desiring or acquiring) what belonged to others. John
basically called the people to turn back to God and to walk in his way of love
and righteousness.
The
word of God has the power to transform us: Whenever the Gospel is proclaimed it
has the power to awaken faith in people who will listen and turn to God. God,
in turn, is always ready to open our eyes to the spiritual reality of his
kingdom and to the power and action of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into
the likeness of Christ. Do you believe that God's word is "good news"
for you? And do you allow his word to take root and grow in you, and bring you
the fruit of joy, freedom, and new life in the Holy Spirit?
John's
message of "good news" aroused in many people a new hope and joyful
expectation that this was now the decisive moment for God's Anointed One (the
long-expected Messiah and Savior of Israel) to come with power, justice, and
judgment to establish his reign of peace and righteousness. Many wondered aloud
if John himself might be the promised Messiah, the one who would deliver them
from oppression.
John's
response was loud and clear - he was only the herald's voice who prepared the
way for the Messiah's coming. When John compared his position with the Messiah,
John humbly stated that he considered himself lower than the lowest slave. His
task was simply to awaken the interest of his people in God's word, unsettle
them from their complacency, and arouse in them enough goodwill to recognize
and receive the Messiah when he came. With John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit
begins the restoration to the human race of the "divine likeness,"
prefiguring what would be achieved through and in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The
Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire: 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 (Deuteronomy. 4:24), his righteous
judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).
John
expanded this image with the illustration of the process of separating wheat
from chaff. A winnowing fan or shovel was used for tossing the wheat in the
air. The heavier kernels of wheat fell to the ground, while the lighter chaff
was carried off by the wind. The chaff was then collected and used for fuel
(see Isaiah 21:10).
The
fire of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the image of fire is
also used of the Holy Spirit who comes to cleanse us from sin and make us holy
(Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies us of sin and it inspires
in us a reverent fear of God and his word. And it increases our desire for
holiness and for the joy of meeting the Lord when he comes again.
Do you
want to be on fire for God and 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 of the Gospel to a world in desperate need of God's light and truth. The
word of God has the power to change and transform our lives so that we may be
lights pointing others to Jesus Christ, the true light of the world (John
8:12). Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light
and truth of Jesus Christ. Do you point others to Jesus Christ in the way you
speak and live?
Lord
Jesus, let your light burn brightly in my heart so that I may know the joy and
freedom of your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to
witness the truth of your gospel and to point others to the light of Christ.
Daily
Quote from the Early Church Fathers: Jesus
baptizes Christians with the Holy Spirit and fire, by Cyril of Jerusalem,
430-543 A.D.
"John,
filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb, was sanctified for the
purpose of baptizing the Lord. John himself did not impart the Spirit but
preached the glad tidings of him who does. He says, 'I indeed baptize you with
water, for repentance. But he who is coming after me, he will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit and with fire (Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:11). Why fire? Because the
descent of the Holy Spirit was in fiery tongues [at Pentecost Acts 2:3].
Concerning this the Lord says with joy, 'I have come to cast fire upon the
earth, and how I wish that it would be kindled!' (Luke 12:49)" (excerpt
from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 17.8)
Catalytic converters
“Rejoice
in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” —Philippians 4:4
St. Paul
made one of the greatest proclamations in history when he commanded the
Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” On Paul’s
initial mission to the Philippians, he and St. Silas were beaten, stripped,
scourged, thrown in jail, and had their feet tied to a stake (Acts 16:22-24).
Under these terrible conditions, Sts. Paul and Silas decided to rejoice and
sing praises to the Lord (Acts 16:25). This joyful praise was catalytic. It was
followed by an earthquake, which resulted in freedom from chains and prison
(Acts 16:26). Next, the jailer and his family were converted to Christ (Acts
16:33). At Philippi, Paul personally experienced the power of praise and joy.
So, he knew what he was talking about when he commanded: “Rejoice in the Lord
always! I say it again. Rejoice!”
Paul came
to realize that he had joy not in spite of suffering but rather by means of suffering.
Sufferings are not incompatible with joy; instead, they are even necessary to
rejoice always. Paul proclaimed: “Even now I find my joy in the suffering I
endure for you” (Col 1:24). We rejoice in the measure that we share Christ’s
sufferings (1 Pt 4:13). Therefore, it is impossible to rejoice in the Lord
always unless we suffer with Christ.
Joy is
catalytic. It sets off a chain-reaction of miracles leading to salvation.
Redemptive suffering is a catalyst of catalysts. It leads to joy.
Prayer: Father, on this Gaudete (Rejoice)
Sunday, reveal to me the mysteries of joy. “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!” —Zep 3:14. Jesus came forth from the tomb; “Truth
shall spring out of the earth” (Ps 85:12). Praise the risen Jesus, “the Way,
and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
The
personal action for today: How am I joyfully anticipating the
Advent (Coming) of the Lord Jesus? Does my life manifest a conscious decision
on my part to be ready for His coming more fully into my life? Can others
experience the joy that I have as I live prudently, justly, “fortitudinously,”
and “temperantly”? What can I do practically during this week to show that I am
not just “merry,” but “joyful” and “peaceful” as I actively await the
celebration of the Lord Jesus’ coming?
*Blessed Mary Frances Schervier: This woman who once wanted to become a
Trappistine nun was instead led by God to establish a community of sisters who
care for the sick and aged in the United States and throughout the world.
Born into
a distinguished family in Aachen—then ruled by Prussia, but formerly
Aix-la-Chapelle, France—Frances ran the household after her mother’s death and
established a reputation for generosity to the poor. In 1844, she became a
Secular Franciscan. The next year she and four companions established a
religious community devoted to caring for the poor. In 1851, the Sisters of the
Poor of St. Francis were approved by the local bishop; the community soon
spread. The first U.S. foundation was made in 1858.
Mother
Frances visited the United States in 1863 and helped her sisters nurse soldiers
wounded in the Civil War. She visited the United States again in 1868. She
encouraged Philip However as he was establishing the Brothers of the Poor of
St. Francis.
When Mother
Frances died, there were 2,500 members of her community worldwide. They are
still engaged in operating hospitals and homes for the aged. Mother Mary
Frances was beatified in 1974.
The sick,
the poor, and the aged are constantly in danger of being considered “useless”
members of society and therefore ignored—or worse. Women and men motivated by
the ideals of Mother Frances are needed if the God-given dignity and destiny of
all people are to be respected.
