Rejoice, The Lord Is Near!
Dear Parishioners,
We are two Sundays away from the feast of Christmas. On this third Sunday of Advent also known as Gaudate (Rejoice) Sunday, the Church invites us to share in the excitement over the imminent coming of her Lord. Prophet Zephaniah captures this excitement in the first reading of today’s liturgy. He speaks of incredible works and wonders associated with the coming of the Lord. We will be in awe at the restoration that will take place once the Lord arrives. The desert will bloom; the handicapped will be restored to the fullness of health. Those in exile will come home and the glory of the Lord will manifest in ways never seen before.
Zephaniah speaks of a transformed world and blessings that follow. He asks that we fear not even in the face tragedies that surround us; God is still present. The feast of the Lord’s nativity reminds us of the presence of God in our troubled world. Is it not enough to excite us? We are blessed to live in the time of the fulfillment of the prophecy. Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight. At the time of his prophecy, some people did not believe it, but it came to fulfillment. God cannot abandon his people.
There may be people who are not sharing this joy due to the ups and downs of life. Do not give up yet. The joys of God’s marvelous work will catch up to you. The apostle Paul in his letter to Philippians admonishes us to be patient, especially for those who feel God is distant from them and those who experience many hardships, injustices, grief and illness that seems incurable. He assures us that the Lord will come to our aid and set the record straight in any matter of injustice. On a large scale of things, suffering is transitory and the Lord will replenish what we have lost. Have faith in him.
Advent also reminds us of the end of history; it deepens our appreciation of the present life. Why do we celebrate his coming? He comes to give us hope and fresh beginning. In the gospel Jesus describes his mission. He sees himself not primarily as king, judge, or lawgiver but as a comforting and consoling Healer. He invites us to be like him. He provides us with the incentives to go and do likewise. It is a blessing to bring healing, comfort, and generous support to our neighbors, friends, family, and even those who are strangers to us. You are called to be Christ to others.
When people came to John the Baptist they asked, what they should do? John answered, “whoever has two cloaks should share with person who has none.” He enjoined them to serve and care for one another. He directed them to look forward to the coming of Jesus. Our love and concern should spread beyond a small circle of companions. We may not treat everyone in the same way, but we must not deliberately exclude anyone from our love and respect, whether it be because of his color, his religion, politics or his nationality.
In fact, if we want to be more like Jesus, the “undesirables” of this world have a special claim on us. Religion is not confined to church. St. Augustine wrote: “The perfection of religion is to imitate the One you worship.” God is made present to us in Jesus Christ, and our religion means imitating him. Therefore, make room for Jesus so that your joy might be complete.
Grace and Peace To You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
