What Should We Do?

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Today, we celebrate “Gaudete” Sunday. “Gaudete” is the Latin term for “Rejoice.” At the midpoint of Advent, the Church gives us this special day to focus on the theme of joy and gladness. Gaudete Sunday helps us anticipate the celebration of Christ’s coming.

Today reminds us that the true state of Christianity is one of joy, not sadness, one of celebration, not penance. So, we notice some things that are different in today’s liturgy—changes in color and tone. Violet (Purple) is the main color of Advent. It represents prayer, penance, and sacrifice. Today, the color of Violet is replaced by Rose (or Pink), representing joy.

Today’s scripture readings reflect a keen sense of joy. The tone of today’s readings is upbeat and powerful. We hear such phrases as: Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult! Cry out with joy and gladness!

We are invited to lift our hearts and minds to God—who is with us always and forever through his Son, our Savior.

In today’s Second Reading, Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice by sharing God’s kindness with all.  He ends his letter with these beautiful, hope-filled words:

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
Make your requests known to God.
Then, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

A contemporary version of this Bible verse (from The Messenger) translates this letter to read:

Celebrate God all day, every day.
I mean, truly celebrate Him!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray.
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayer.
Let God know your concerns.
Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,
Everything coming together for good,
Will come and settle you down.

What happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life is wonderful. Today is a reminder of the joy Christ brings.

But realistically, we know that not every person here today is in a peaceful and joyful place. The busyness of the holidays, the cold and darkness of winter, or grieving the loss of a loved one can make it difficult for us to exude joy. I have experienced this in my ministry as a deacon.

I recently shared with my spiritual director that I was finding it difficult to find joy in my ministry as a deacon. Since retiring from my career job six months ago, I have been struggling with how to re-balance my life as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and deacon. My spiritual director reminded me of a few things that he and I have discussed before.

• First, “Joy” is not something you buy in a bottle, it is a gift you receive, the product of your love and service to others. He and I talked about the importance of cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” – taking time each day to give God thanks and praise for all he has done for us.
• Second, I was reminded that we are often most joyful when we are making use of our God-given gifts. We talked about my gifts and strengths and how they could be incorporated into my ministry as a deacon.
• Third, I was encouraged to continue to pray and to spend more time in silence, listening to God and being guided by the Holy Spirit, following God’s plan for me, come what may.

“Struggling in ministry” (not having all the answers) is not always a bad thing; it can lead to growth (if we allow it). In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist addresses his followers and responds to their question: “What should we do”? They had recently been baptized. Now, his followers were looking for directions on how to live their lives. John took this opportunity to teach them what Christian charity looks like (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, etc.)  He customized his directions according to people’s vocations: Tax collectors – stop cheating others by overtaxing them. Soldiers – do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse others, and be satisfied with your wages

We are all in different places in our lives and blessed with varied gifts, but there is one God we all worship and serve. So, use this Gaudete Sunday to reflect on where you are in your spiritual life.

Take some time this week to examine where you are and where God is leading you as you serve God and his Church. Ask yourself: What are some of the ways you help serve others in need? What God-given gifts and strengths can you share with others?

What are some of the challenges associated with your vocation? And how will you turn to God for his help?

This week, we have an opportunity to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, in the Scripture, and in our service to others. Let us continue to take on an “attitude of gratitude” in service to God and his people.

 May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding continue to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.