Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2006 [C], Gaudete Sunday

 

Gaudete is the Latin word for "rejoice," the first word of the entrance antiphon, taken from today's second reading.

Readings:
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

Calendar:
December 16: Chanukkah begins. (Judaism)
December 18: International Migrants Day http://www.december18.net/
December 21: First Day of Winter

Quotes
The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts.
-Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes, 1

Being a Christian has never been easy, nor is it easy today. Following Christ demands the courage of radical choices, which often means going against the stream. "We are Christ!" St Augustine exclaimed.
-John Paul II, November 26, 2000

The present situation of the world, from the point of view of development, offers a rather negative impression. … Without going into an analysis of figures and statistics, it is sufficient to face squarely the reality of an innumerable multitude of people--children, adults and the elderly in other words, real and unique human persons, who are suffering under the intolerable burden of poverty. There are many millions who are deprived of hope due to the fact that, in many parts of the world, their situation has noticeably worsened. Before these tragedies of total indigence and need, in which so many of our brothers and sisters are living, it is the Lord Jesus himself who comes to question us (cf. Mt 25: 31-46).
-John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 13

It is clear that economic and political decisions and strategies must increasingly be guided by a commitment to global solidarity and respect for fundamental human rights, including the right to adequate nourishment. Human dignity itself is compromised wherever a narrow pragmatism detached from the objective demands of the moral law leads to decisions which benefit a fortunate few while ignoring the sufferings of large segments of the human family. At the same time, in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, individuals and social groups, civil associations and religious confessions, governments and international institutions, are all called, according to their specific competencies and resources, to share in this commitment to solidarity in promoting the common good of humanity.
-John Paul II, FAO Conference, December 5, 2003,

Thoughts for your consideration:

• The first two readings are full of joy and hope. Then, in the gospel, John the Baptist seems to be placing very demanding expectations before the people of his day. In different ways, he invites different people to make changes in their lives. He gets very explicit. He challenges people.

• We might hear all this with a certain dread as we think about making radical changes in our lives and in our world. We might dread giving up things or doing things in a new way. We might feel resistance to change. However, we should not forget the tone of joy and hope that is found in the first two readings. Maybe the change we are called to is not something to dread or fear, but something that will lead us and the world community to freedom and life. Maybe the challenges of our social teaching are more than a burden. Maybe they can be a source of joy and freedom.

• The demanding social teaching of the church can seem to be a heavy obligation. However, the radical call of Jesus and the demands of justice are not only a burden but also a source of freedom and joy. To let go of the demands of our consumer culture can let us relax and be ourselves. To let go of our tendency to worry about public opinion can give us the strength to speak up with courage. To let go of our violence toward others can give us the freedom to be loving human persons. To let go of the expense of a large military budget can allow us to spend money to promote human values. To let go of our fear can allow us to ask good questions.

Actions -- Links:

• The Diocese of Richmond has a website with many resources about justice issues. Visit the website at http://www.richmonddiocese.org/cst.

Questions for your faith sharing group:
John the Baptist offers answers to the question "What shall we do?" as it is asked by the people, by tax collectors, and by soldiers. What answer would he give to people today who ask (parents, children, poor people, rich people, middle class people, bankers, stock brokers, business executives, factory workers, soldiers, political leaders, women, men, the elderly, children, lawyers, doctors, etc.)?

Prayers of Intercession:

Response: God, lead us on the journey to the fullness of life.

For all parents that they may be supported in their vocation, we pray….

For students and teachers, that they may have all the resources they need and use them well, we pray….

For all those who are have special responsibilities in our society, elected officials, government workers, police and fire officers, members of the military, that they may service with integrity and honesty for the common good of all, we pray….

For all those who work in private businesses, those in management and all workers, that they may live out their Christian values as they provide good services for all, we pray….

For all those in the health care profession and other human services, that they will be able to listen, heal, and support those who need their services, we pray….

For those who grow, prepare, deliver and serve our food, that they may be treated with dignity and respect, we pray….

For those who service our society with their special skills, as trades-people, as laborers, as builders, as factory workers, as repairers, we pray….

For those without employment, for those who are living out the experience poverty, for those who are without decent housing or adequate food, we pray….

Prayer Litany:

Sing aloud and shout...
with only eight more days to shop?
Sing aloud and shout and rejoice with all your heart...
that our Christmas cards are mailed and presents are wrapped?
Sing aloud and shout for joy for the Lord has taken away the judgments against you...
for the fruits of repentance are radical generosity and faithfulness.
Sing and shout, rejoice and proclaim good news to all...
Let us bear the fruit of our baptism—in trusting our lives to God completely,
let us bear the fruit of our baptism—haring our resources, our time and talents,
our very selves with the world,
and let us bear the fruit of our baptism—as the Spirit ignites our hearts with love.

We light three candles on the wreath.
The first reminds us to watch and to proclaim justice and peace.
The second calls us to prepare.
The third candle invites us to dare.
To let this light shine upon all the darkness within
and turn around to follow God's love again.
Let us sing, shout, and be joy-filled people,
sharing the good news from rooftops and steeples,
until all nations know that they are loved by God and God's people.

Breath of Life, shine your light into our hearts. Help us to be faith-filled as we live with one another. Forgive us for the hurts we caused by words and deeds. And may we be a forgiving light to those who have hurt us. Amen.
-
Taken from http://www.rca.org

-Lectionary reflection by Fr. John Bucki, S.J.