Homily

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, 16th December, 2024

READINGS: Daniel 12:1-3; Ps 16:5, 8.9-10.11;
Heb 10:11-14.18; Mk 13:24-32

Reverend Father Edward Ganda

A PROCLAMATION OF JOY

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. It is also called ‘Gaudete Sunday’ from Latin, which simply means Rejoicing Sunday.

My dear people of God, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Rejoice, for the Lord is at hand.”

Today the Church invites us to rejoice because we have done halfway preparations towards Christmas. Due to the situation, difficulties, and challenges that we sometimes face in our lives, we, as individuals and at times groups, are unable to rejoice. But today’s first and second readings invite us and call us to rejoicing in the Lord regardless of any challenge or difficulties we might face. For the Son of God is now closer to us.

My dear Christian Friends, the first reading indicates that we should rejoice because the Lord has taken away the judgment against us. Zephaniah 3:14-15 says, “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies.” This passage invites us to rejoice because the judgment against our weaknesses, sins, faults, and mistakes has been taken away by the Lord.

This can be seen as a call to embrace a transformative joy that transcends our immediate circumstances. It reflects the concept of divine grace, where God’s mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).

Again, he calls us to rejoice because the Lord has cast away the enemies in our lives, both internal and external. Those far and near to us, the Lord has cast them away. He entreats us to rejoice and be happy because he has taken away our fear. Zephaniah 3:16-17 says, “On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.'”

This passage people of God reassures us that God is not only present but actively working for our victory and joy. This can be interpreted to mean a promise of God’s ongoing presence and intervention in our lives, encouraging us to live without fear.

In the second reading, Paul invites us also to rejoice because the Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand.” Even in our difficulties and challenges, we should pray and, as we pray, we should rejoice with thankfulness. Philippians 4:6-7 continues, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This passage underscores how one must be joyful and thankful even when trials are part of life. It points out that joy and peace do not necessarily emanate from without but, rather, are grounded in our relationship with God. This stresses the transforming power of prayer and thanksgiving as the means to inner peace.

That we all may enjoy this rejoicing moment and the happy season ahead, John the Baptist invites you and me in today’s gospel reading to avoid certain misdeeds in our lives. Thus says Luke 3:10-11, “And the multitudes asked him, ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.’

This passage calls us to practical acts of charity and justice as expressions of our joy and preparation for the Lord’s coming. It can be seen as a call to ethical living and social justice, reflecting the kingdom values that Jesus embodies.

He invites us to shun injustice. He calls us to avoid corruption and not cheat others. He calls us to avoid evil in our lives. You and I should never use our positions to oppress others. We shall never use our wealth to make others feel inferior or sorrowful.

Instead, let us put our hands together to assist one another with the knowledge, wealth, power, and positions we have so that all may rejoice in the Lord. My dear Christian Friends, what are some of the things we should learn today from our celebration and the readings?

SCRIPTURAL CONTEXT

First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
The prophet Daniel foretells a time of distress but assures the faithful of salvation and resurrection. Those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars, highlighting the hope of eternal life for the faithful.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
St. Paul reminds us of Christ’s perfect sacrifice, made once for all, which sanctifies believers and removes sin. This encourages us to live holy lives in gratitude for Christ’s redemptive work.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
Jesus describes apocalyptic signs preceding His Second Coming, emphasizing that only the Father knows the exact time. This calls us to remain vigilant, faithful, and prepared for the unexpected hour of Christ’s return.

Key Points

  1. Live each day according to God’s commandments to avoid fearing the Day of the Lord.
  2. The end of the world should not scare believers but prepare them for salvation.
  3. Christ’s Second Coming will judge the living and the dead.
  4. Ignore speculations about the end time; only God knows the hour.
  5. Repent of sins and cooperate with Christ’s salvation.
  6. Make good use of each day, living in God’s presence and doing good works.
  7. Stay vigilant, prepared for death or the end of the world.

Lessons

  1. Recognize the world’s impermanence.
  2. Prioritize eternal life over worldly attachments.
  3. Use time wisely, doing God’s will.
  4. Be conscious of the last day, asking, “How prepared am I to meet Christ?”

Call to Action

  1. Live in God’s friendship.
  2. Repent and cooperate with Christ’s salvation.
  3. Stay alert, prepared for Christ’s return.
  4. Prioritize eternity over temporary worldly concerns.

Final Blessing:
“May the Good Lord grant us the grace of vigilance and a happy end. Amen!”

This reflection encourages us to make each day a step toward holiness, always prepared to meet the Lord with hearts full of faith and love.