Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C)
On Gaudete Sunday the Church bids us rejoice for our salvation is near. The readings are filled with that hopeful and joyful expectation. From the depths of the Old Testament, the prophet Zephaniah calls us to shout for joy, sing and exult (Zep 3:14). St. Paul, in turn, tells the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). In that sense, we can say that Advent is a joyful season.
How should we express that joy? When John the Baptist is asked how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, he responds by telling his followers to share with those who have nothing (Lk 3:11), to keep away from defrauding or falsely accusing others, and to be satisfied with what we have (cf. Lk 3:14). His advice is as valid today as it was 2,000 years ago.
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us not think so much of accumulating material things. Let us remember the Lord’s many blessings and share them with others, for “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). God bless you!
Fr. Luis R. Largaespada
The O Antiphons, also known as The Great Os are Magnificat antiphons used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent as well as the alleluia verses on the same days in the Mass.
