Homilies3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT: WAIT FOR THE LORD JOYFULLY AND PATIENTLYMt 11:2-11THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT is traditionally called the “Gaudete Sunday.” As Christmas Day gets closer and closer, we are also getting excited about it and we feel the joy. However, the readings today do not only emphasize the spirit of joy, but they also propose some attitudes on how should we prepare for the Lord’s coming.
In the First Reading, we heard of the prophet Isaiah saying, “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God… who comes to save you.” And those who would be ransomed by the Lord will be crowned with everlasting joy.
We, Christians, are being saved in and by Christ. His offer of salvation is a gift which must be acknowledged with much joy. But this joy seems to have disappeared now. Christianity and salvation are no longer felt as God’s gifts, but rather a burden to one’s living. We need to go back to the original joy which was brought about by the salvation which is offered to us by Christ.
In the Second Reading, the Letter of James tells us of another attitude which is one of patience. “Be patient… until the coming of the Lord.” Since we do not know the exact time of the Lord’s (second) coming, it is but fitting to expect it more patiently. But the value of patience runs counter to the value that the present world teaches us. For instance, the internet teaches us values of instantaneity and quickness. Anything that we want to know is just right there at our fingertips. They just come to us quickly. Things which come to us instantly and quickly are being considered as good. But things which come too slow are simply bad and useless. As a result, patience cannot be considered as a value.
However, when we speak of the Lord’s (second) Coming, we cannot apply the values of instantaneity and quickness. The Lord’s coming cannot be ascertained, and it is beyond our control. Because of this, the only value which matters is patience. We need to patiently wait for the Lord.
In the gospel, we heard of John who seemingly doubts whether Jesus is indeed the person whom he and his disciples should expect. The imprisoned John sends his disciples to Jesus in order to ask Jesus, "Are you the One who is to come, or should we look for another?" We can understand why John thinks or feels that way because he expects more of a fiery Messiah. However, John patiently attempts to reflect and discern whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. In the end, he acknowledges that indeed Jesus is.
In today’s world, the numbers of doubters are rising. In fact, more and more people want to dissociate Christ from the Christmas celebration. They want to appear that what we do during Christmas season is just a mere holiday, devoid of Christ. But we Christians are well aware that we cannot separate Christ from Christmas. It is Christ’s birth which we remember in this joyous season, and therefore, Christmas without Christ is useless and meaningless.
Again, the readings of this Sunday tell us of the proper attitude while waiting for the Lord’s coming. We are expecting a very important person who offers us the most precious gift, that is, salvation. And, thus, we cannot afford to simply forget and doubt him. He deserves to be waited, hoped, and expected joyfully and patiently.
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