With Him, we rejoice amidst our woes

Homily: Third Sunday of Advent (B)

13 December 2020

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Fr. Ricky C. Montanez 

Last week the world was ecstatic over the news that some people in the United Kingdom had finally received the much awaited COVID vaccine. Although it might take months or even a year for these vaccines to reach our shores, the good news has offered much needed hope to those overdosing on woes from this pandemic.  It has been a long 10-month journey and we are still far off from the finish line but the news of the vaccine gives us a reason to look forward to better days ahead. 

On this Third Sunday of Advent, the word “Rejoice” is heard a number of times in the readings. It is fitting because today is also called Gaudete Sunday, and Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice. In the first reading we hear Isaiah declare, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord.” (Isaiah 61:10) The Psalm that follows ought to be familiar to all of you. It is Mary’s Magnificat — her hymn of praise! “My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,” (Luke 1:47) sings Mary. In the second reading we find Paul urging the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always!” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) In our Gospel, John the Baptist is more than happy to admit that someone greater than He, whose sandal strap he is not worthy to untie, is coming after him.  John the Baptist appears to be an unnerving figure as he brazenly responds to the incessant questioning of the Jewish religious leaders. His confidence results from a certitude of his own identity and mission, and an interior joy in knowing that something, rather, someone wonderful is coming. He is happy to prepare the people to receive an enormous blessing, that they did not even deserve!  This Sunday, we too, are invited to rejoice or be joyful as we prepare ourselves this Advent for Christmas 2020.   

The big question is — How in the world are we to be joyful in the midst of the seemingly insurmountable troubles borne by this pandemic? What reason do we have to be joyful when our movements are restricted, jobs are endangered and businesses are failing; when we are forced to look at each other with suspicion and we must live in constant fear of contracting or spreading this deadly virus? On the home-front, we continue to feel the catastrophic effect of the health crisis on many aspects of our life, especially our finances. I read that charitable institutions are badly struggling and understandably so, because all of us have deeper pockets these days.  It is a huge challenge for them to meet the ever-growing demand for food assistance among the millions of poor families across the country who are going hungry because they no longer have a means of livelihood. It is almost inconceivable to tell them to “rejoice!” Right? 

Before we move forward, let us be clear on one thing — joy is not the same as happiness. Although both refer to a state of well-being, happiness is more of an emotional response when we feel pleasure or satisfaction. Joy on the other hand, is a stronger, deeply rooted disposition that is independent of factors that bring us bliss. Joy can cause us to smile even when there is nothing to laugh about. The theologian Henri Nouwen describes the difference between joy and happiness saying happiness is dependent on external conditions, joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing – sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death – can take that love away. Thus, joy can be present even in the midst of sadness. I saw an FB post about a couple who recently filed for bankruptcy because their business could not survive these months of crisis. However, they are not sulking over their loss. They are grateful for the freedom of having nothing to prove and excited for the possibilities of the next endeavour. For them, this is not the end. Their failure will not be the legacy they leave their children.  This will not define them as people. They choose to be undaunted by the mountains in their path and concentrate on simply taking their next step together. Instead of being miserable, they choose to be joyful because they remain grateful for all the blessings they have received in life. St. Paul says, “in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) There is joy in gratitude. 

St. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they should be joyful at all times. He does not dismiss the reality of suffering because it is part and parcel of human life. Instead what he advocates is the joy that comes from knowing and believing that Christ’s power is stronger than all the forces of death and evil that we have to contend with in our human existence. This joy that comes from a deep faith is only possible when we are able to see the bigger picture. Instead of being discouraged, we should always strive to see how the hand of God is at work in the midst of all our life’s challenges. We have to believe that our God is one who continues to bring out the promise of rebirth from all the death-dealing experiences in life.  We recall the story of Joseph and how the mistreatment of his brothers led him to Egypt and how in Egypt he was able to save his own people from famine. In their tearful reunion, Joseph tells his brothers: “As for you, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) For sure, it is a story of forgiveness, perseverance and faith. But it is also a story of joy because Joseph did not allow himself to be embittered by the tragedies of his life.  He welcomed and trusted the surprises that God laid in his path. Recently there was an article published in CBCP’s site that cited a recent study of the effect of faith on mental health.  It says that Americans who continued attending religious services WEEKLY, not just monthly, are the only group who registered improved mental health in 2020. All other demographics in the study showed a marked decrease in mental well-being. At times we cannot really see what lies ahead but if we anchor ourselves on God we are able to live serenely and even joyfully in spite of the adverse circumstances we find ourselves in life. There is joy in faith.

God is in control of everything and we trust that He designed all of creation to serve a higher purpose.  He desires that each one of us accept the significant part we must play in it. He engages us and motivates us to accomplish His purpose. I am reminded of the scientist Ugur Sahin. Are you familiar with this name?  He is a Turkish immigrant to Germany who is presently the CEO and co-founder of German biotech firm BioNTech that partnered with pharma giant Pfizer to develop one of the first Covid-19 vaccines. As a boy his family fled their native Turkey for greener pastures in Cologne, Germany. Life is never easy for an immigrant because options for employment are not as abundant nor profitable. He had to overcome various hurdles in life to get to where he is. It was the opportunities and resources he had in Germany that allowed him to develop a vaccine we need so badly today.  His life is a testament of how God can bring out a higher good from the adversity we experience. We must be patient because we never know when we are being prepared for something important. There is joy in trusting in God’s plan. 

Finally, I would like to call your attention to John the Baptist, who declared he only lived to magnify Christ. “I am not the Messiah.” (John 1:20) “I am not even worthy to untie the straps of His sandals.” (John 1:27) Jesus is the light and John is a witness to the light. Just as John the Baptist was aware of his role in relation to Christ, we, too can lead happy and contented lives if we acknowledge the person and mission of Jesus —- God who loves us so much that He became one of us to save us. If we keep in mind how valuable we are to Jesus that He would give His own life for us without question, we would possess an unspeakable joy that will make us rise above life’s adversities.  

Now do you see the answer to our big question of HOW to be joyful this advent 2020?  Count our blessings and be ever grateful. Nurture our faith in the Lord and trust that God has a plan. The outcome may not be immediately visible to us but we trust that God is always good. Finally, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and fill our souls with love for Him. He is the source of all joy and the reason for this season. We prepare ourselves this advent joyfully anticipating the revelation of our Lord and Saviour in our lives.