The Cause of our JOY

Homily: Third Sunday of Advent (C)

Zephaniah 3:14-18

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:10-18

15 December 2024

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez

A priest friend once spoke of this lady who had gone to him for counselling. She sat quietly waiting for him, looking very serene. He wondered what could possibly be bothering her. When he entered the room, she looked up and smiled. To him, she looked like a person with no troubles. In the course of their conversation, she disclosed that she was suffering from a severe illness, her husband had left her, and that her children were diagnosed with psychiatric problems. Never in a million years would he have guessed that she was burdened with such grave problems. His heart went out to her but at the same time he was amazed at how positive she was. How could she smile and look so calm at a time like this?  If you were in her shoes, would you have the same attitude and outlook in life? 

On this Third Sunday of Advent, the word “Rejoice” is heard a number of times in the readings because today is also called Gaudete Sunday, and Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice. In the First Reading the prophet Zephaniah tells Zion, “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! (Zephaniah 3:14) In the Second Reading, we find Paul urging the Philippians: “Rejoice always!” “Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Who wouldn’t want to be in such high spirits, happy and positive at all times? When things are going well in our life, when everything seems perfect and we feel like we are on top of the world, it is easy to be joyful. 

However, is it possible to rejoice always? Perhaps with the exception of those who live a seemingly charmed life…  How can we be joyful in the midst of the seemingly insurmountable troubles we have to contend with in life? There are troubles in government, at work, in school, and what is especially painful — troubles in the family. Societal pressures to be successful, rich, beautiful and perfect can also lead to discontent and depression.  Recently, the bar exam results were published and a UP Law graduate topped the Bar. That is one of the most difficult exams being given. Law students spend months preparing so if they don’t pass, it can be mentally and emotionally devastating.  There was a time in the past when some who failed even took their own life. How sad that a young person cannot perceive an alternative future that will prove equally successful or fulfilling. As Christians, we have reasons to be joyful even in the midst of life’s difficulties. Sayings such as “Behind every cloud is a silver lining!” or “When God closes a door, He opens a window!”— make a lot of sense to us because we hope and believe in God’s love and providence. 

Through our readings, we are given the reasons why we can rejoice at all times despite life’s challenges. In the First Reading, the prophet Zephaniah tells God’s people to shout for joy because they have been freed from their oppressors. They are to rejoice because God assures them of His presence among them. Though in chains, St. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord because of their new-found closeness to God in Jesus Christ. “The Lord is near.”  (Philippians 4:5) St. Paul urges the Philippians to rejoice and recognise the presence of God through the many acts of kindness they either experience or extend to others. Furthermore, they are to be thankful as they learn to recognise and appreciate the everyday miracles of life which are reasons enough to rejoice, to give thanks and to be at peace. What St. Paul advocates is a joy that is grounded in faith and hope in Jesus Christ. 

Some of us may still not be inclined “to shout for joy” in life, so we shouldn’t miss the chance to remind one another that Advent is a time of joy, not only because we are preparing to commemorate the birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ but more so because in Christ, we have been assured that God is always in our midst. He is Emmanuel! He is the cause of our joy! We can always rejoice over God’s saving acts in the here and now. Let us rejoice then, be kind, be thankful and pray that we find our way to the peace of Jesus Christ at all times.