Homily 12-15-2024 Cycle C3rd Sunday in Advent
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm Advent urges us to reflect upon the three arrivals of Christ. The first was his coming as Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth. The second arrival is his coming at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. The third is Christ arriving in our lives every day, the one we are most likely to miss. He comes in Word, in Sacrament [the Eucharist in particular & compelling way], yet these are subtle ways, and we must be attentive.
Advent reminds us of what to HOPE for: lasting peace, tranquil lives, sufficient food and the end of suffering, pain, and misery. The people of the Old Testament had the courage to HOPE for BIG things: the desert would become fertile land, their scattered people would be gathered, the blind would see, the deaf would hear, the lame would walk and that all people would be united in the blessing of everlasting peace. [Adopted from “The Spirit of Advent” by Mark Searle in Assembly, Volume 7:1]
Today we hear the prophet Zephaniah urge us to “Sing joyfully” and reminding us that the “The Lord … is in your midst.” In our Responsorial Psalm calls us to “Cry out with joy and gladness ….” We have been Baptized with the Holy Spirit; the Season of Advent reminds us of our precious calling to “Live Jesus” especially today as our world continues to follow the darkness rather than the Light. “The crowds asked John the Baptist, ‘What should we do?’” His reply was to share with those in need. In our reading to the Philippians St. Paul said we must:
1. Rejoice in the Lord,
2. Be Kind,
3. Offer our anxiety as a prayer,
4. Let God know our requests,
5. And thank God for all that has been and all that will be.
We are in the third week of Advent what can we do, Pope Francis recommends that we “… make a concrete commitment … to prepare [spiritually] for Christmas. Visit someone who is alone, offer forgiveness, pay a debt, say a prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your selection for what to do. With the remainder of Advent: Rejoice. Share. See Good in others. Live as a person Redeemed. May Gaudete Sunday inspire you to hear, see and experience God.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc
May God Be Praised.
*Brother Mickey McGrath’s artwork is available at: https://www.bromickeymcgrath.com/
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