Third Sunday of Advent – Year C
December 15, 2024 – 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community, Palm Springs, CA
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Zephaniah 3:14-18 | Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 3:10-18
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Advent is probably my favorite liturgical season as I believe it makes people more kind, friendly, and generous as they listen to all the beautiful Christmas music and are enjoying all the festivities of the season, such as all the Christmas gatherings, the choral performances, and of course all the gorgeous Christmas decorations and Christmas trees.
The annual season of Advent invites everyone to reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world. It is a time of new beginnings, a time of waiting and anticipation, and a period of preparation.
Preparation is an act that is highly important according to the Bible. It demonstrates wisdom, responsibility, and faith in God by allowing individuals to navigate life’s challenges with effectiveness and being ready to serve God when called.
Preparation, repentance, hope, and transformation are the main themes of our spiritual readings on this Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, also known as “Gaudete Sunday.” As the name suggests, “Gaudete”, meaning “rejoice” on Latin, encourages believers to rejoice in the imminent arrival of Jesus.
This is a time of joy and anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus, our best Christmas present of all! John the Baptist, in his fiery proclamation, calls us to repentance and conversion as he urges us to turn away from sin and instead turn towards God, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness.
As we reflect on our own lives, we are reminded of the importance of repentance in our spiritual journey. Just as John the Baptist called on the people to prepare the way of the Lord, we too are called to make room in our hearts for Jesus by turning away from sin and embracing the grace of God’s mercy.
In our Gospel reading, John tells the people to “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” This statement speaks volumes to the idea that true repentance is not just about saying “I’m sorry” but about actively changing our lives and living in accordance with God’s will.
As we approach Christmas, we need to keep in mind that it is a time to reflect on our actions and strive to live more spiritually, fully in line with the teachings of Jesus.
The theme of hope is also prevalent in today’s Gospel. John the Baptist speaks of the coming of the one who is more powerful that he, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This prophesy points to the fulfillment of God’s promise and the hope of salvation that is to come. As we await the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the hope that He brings to the world—hope for redemption, hope for healing, and hope for a new beginning. In the midst of our own challenges and struggles, the promise of Christ’s coming gives us hope and reassurance that God is with us always.
Preparation is another key theme in today’s Gospel. John the Baptist urges the people to prepare the way for the Lord, making straight paths for Him. This call to preparation challenges us to examine our own lives and make room for Christ to dwell in our hearts. In all the busyness of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get caught up in the material aspects of Christmas and lose sight of the true meaning of the season. John’s words remind us to take time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, making space for Him to enter into our lives and transform us from within.
As we reflect on today’s Gospel, we are also called to emulate the example of John the Baptist in our lives. Like him, we are called to proclaim a message of repentance, hope, and preparation as we await the coming of Christ. We are invited to turn away from sin, embrace God’s mercy, and live in accordance with His will. We are encouraged to hold fast to the hope that Jesus brings, trusting in His promises and looking forward to the fulfillment of His saving work. And we are challenged to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior. Making straight paths for Him to enter in and transform us.
So in this season of Advent, let us take time to reflect on the message given to us today and apply it to our own daily lives. Let us seek forgiveness for our sins and strive to live more fully in accordance with God’s will. Let us hold fast to the hope that Jesus will bring, trusting in His promises and looking forward to the fulfillment of His saving work. And let us prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, making room for Him to dwell within us and transform us from within.
May we be inspired by the message and example of John the Baptist and embrace his message of hope, repentance, and preparation as we continue on our journey towards the jubilant celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day! AMEN.