Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Sunday

Cycle C

Homily on December 15, 2024.

On this Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Joy Sunday, the liturgy invites us to reflect on the theme of joy. It is a time to rejoice because the Lord is near. This message is interwoven throughout today’s readings, encouraging us to prepare our hearts with hope and gladness, even amidst life's challenges. Let us delve into the readings and discover how they call us to embrace joy in our faith journey.

From the First Reading, taken from the book of Zephaniah (Zep 3:14-18a), we can highlight the following words: joy, joyfully, glad, exult, fear not, not discouraged, rejoice, gladness, sings, and festivals. All these words focus on the theme of JOY. On this Third Sunday, through this reading, the prophet Zephaniah exhorts us to: “Shout for joy”, “Sing joyfully,” and “Be glad and exult with all your heart” because the Lord is near. Instead of fear, let us renew ourselves with joy in His love. 

As the prophet Isaiah says in the Responsorial Psalm (Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6): “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel”. This is because “our strength and courage are the LORD, our Savior”. Let us be confident and unafraid, lifting our voices in joyful praise to the Lord.

The key word in the Second Reading, from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Phil 4:4-7), is REJOICE. In a world filled with bad news such as poverty, violence, drugs, human trafficking, psychological struggles, and the pervasive presence of anxiety, it can be difficult to always rejoice. Yet, St. Paul reminds us: “The Lord is near.”

This prompts us to reflect: Are we ready to receive the Lord again in our hearts? How are our hearts today—burdened with worries or filled with shalom, the peace of God? This letter invites us to prepare our hearts for Jesus, rejoicing in the good news that He is coming. He hears our prayers and petitions and knows our requests. We must wait for Him with thanksgiving, trusting that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

In the Gospel according to Luke (Lk 3:10-18), we are reminded of the significance of John the Baptist. On one hand, John preached the Good News to the people, prompting many (crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers) to ask him: “What should we do?”. Similarly, we can ask God in our hearts: “What should we do?”

John’s answers remain relevant today. We are invited to: 

- Share with those in need (“Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none, and whoever has food should do likewise”). 

- Practice justice (“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed”). 

- Live with integrity (“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone”). 

On the other hand, the Gospel highlights the distinction between John’s baptism with water and Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. John humbly acknowledges his role, saying he is not worthy to loosen the sandals of the One who is coming.

This Joy Sunday challenges us to renew our hearts in the hope and joy of the Lord’s coming. It reminds us that, despite the struggles of life, we are not alone. God is near, ready to fill us with His peace and strength. Let us live this Advent season as people of joy—sharing our blessings, practicing justice, and trusting in the promises of our Savior. 

May we echo the words of St. Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always!”.