Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Advent: December 17, 2023

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11: This beautiful passage of rejoicing is written in the voice of the prophet, Isaiah; but it’s really meant to be read in our own voice! We are meant to be repeating these words as these statements belong to us all. The Spirit of the Lord God is truly upon all of us… with none of us left out. Via our Christian baptisms and confirmations, we’ve all been anointed… to bring the glad tidings of our faith to others; especially to those around us whom are poor and discouraged. This “Gaudete Sunday,” this time of “rejoicing” is for all of us to celebrate God’s Presence among us. Our God is ever with us and in us. There’s indeed, great call for rejoicing, today and every day!

Luke 1: “My soul rejoices in my God.” Today, we also pray Mary’s hymn of worship, praise and rejoicing; her “Magnificat.” As in the first reading, let’s recite these words, also from our very hearts and state them with confidence and conviction. Let’s make these words, also, our own!
From our souls, let’s proclaim God’s greatness to others around us. Let’s make more efforts to share our faith. Let’s encourage others to trust in God, to have faith and to join us in participating at Mass and in availing ourselves of opportunities to receive the Sacraments. Like Mary, let’s share our enthusiasm and gratitude to God for the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and, when appropriate, the Sacrament of the Sick. We receive so many graces from the Sacraments. Shouldn’t we be inviting others; as Mary did? There’s an old German saying that “a joy shared, is a joy, doubled.” Let’s multiply our joy!

1 Thes 5:16-24:  Today’s invitation to rejoice in our faith and share it with others is echoed by St. Paul. Contemplate how Paul received a personal invitation, from Jesus Himself, to embrace the Christian faith and message and to share the “Good News” with the Gentiles. When Paul exhorts us “in all circumstances give thanks,” Paul is saying that we can be thankful and rejoice in God’s blessings, even when we’re grieving or suffering, spiritually, emotionally or physically. When we grieve, we can still give thanks for the lives of others, whom we’ve loved. When we’re ill, we can rejoice in the kindness of our caregivers. It’s not easy to generate this outlook of rejoicing at times, but we can still try. We can strive to emulate the positive role-models among the saints.

John 1:6-8, 19-28:  Today’s Gospel message echoes our theme of thanking God, rejoicing in the “Light” we’ve received and, just as importantly, sharing God’s merciful love with others. This “receiving, rejoicing and sharing” of “the Light” summarizes our mission as Jesus’ 21st century disciples. We’re called to embrace and allow ourselves to be transformed by the Light. Like John the Baptist, we’re called to invite others into (or to return to) the faith, as best we can.
Faith-sharing, charitable works and acts of sacrifice aren’t just for the saints to do. We’re all called to “be the Light” of Christ to others. As we actively participate in “sharing the Light,” we’ll see that the rejoicing of the saints is infectious! Rejoice!

Deacon Matt