Homilies3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT:JOYFUL WAITING FOR THE LORD'S COMINGMt 11:2-11THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT is traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday.” As Christmas is getting closer and closer, we are also getting excited and joyful. However, the readings today do not 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 is no longer felt as God’s gift, but 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 this value runs counter to the value that the present world teaches. For instance, globalization and internet value instantaneity and quickness. Things which come to us instantly and quickly are being considered as good. But things which come too slow are simply bad and useless. In these cases, patience cannot be considered as a value. This could have an effect to our attitude toward the Lord’s coming because we need to patiently wait. In the gospel, we heard of John who seemingly doubt whether Jesus is the person whom he and his disciples should expect. John has the reason to think or feel that way because he was expecting more of a fiery Messiah. But John patiently attempts to reflect and discern if Jesus is truly the Messiah. In the end, he acknowledges that indeed Jesus is. In today’s world, the number of doubters is on the rise. 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 his birth which we remember in this joyous season. The readings 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 with joy, and patience. |
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