This Sunday comes midway between the beginning of Advent and
the great feast of Christmas. It has been known traditionally as
Gaudete Sunday, taken from the Latin word for
rejoice, the first word of the opening antiphon of the Mass:
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” The readings are filled with joy and exultation,
and the strong sense of anticipation, so much a part of Advent, is heightened
further, culminating with Luke’s description of John the Baptist preaching “the
good news to the people.”
Although not overtly obvious, the readings have a Marian
character. This is especially true of the first reading. Writing during the
reign of King Josiah (640-609 B.C.), Zephaniah made an urgent call for reform
and spiritual renewal, anticipating the more extended mission of Jeremiah.
After warning of judgment and the impending Day of the Lord (chapter 1-2), the
prophet ended his short book with a hymn of joy to be sung by the faithful
remnant when restored to Zion.
Understood in the light of the New Covenant,
this faithful remnant is both a people, the Church, and a specific person, the
faithful Daughter of Zion. As the
Catechism
explains in remarking on this verse, “Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just
made his dwelling, is the daughter of Zion in person, the ark of the covenant,
the place where the glory of the Lord dwells” (CCC 2676; cf CCC 722). Zephaniah
proclaimed that the King of Israel was in the midst of Zion, the people of God;
He is also, of course, with Mary in a most unique way: “The Lord is with Thee,
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”
Two implicit questions are suggested by the readings: “Are
we ready to meet our Savior?” and “Do we recognize Him among us?” Today’s
responsorial, the twelfth chapter of Isaiah, declares that the great and Holy
One of Israel is “among you.” The great prophet, who had seen a glorious vision
of the throne of God (Isa 6), stated that he is “confident and unafraid.” His
words were taken up centuries later by Mary, the Mother of the Holy One of
Israel, in her Canticle: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my
spirit rejoices in God my savior” (Lk 1:46-47). Both gave the same reasons for
their confidence and joy: it is God, holy and loving, who saves His people.
Fittingly, Isaiah’s prophetic book emphasizes that the time of salvation is at
hand, that God is revealing Himself to those who are waiting for Him.
Likewise, today’s Epistle reading, from Saint Paul’s letter
to the Philippians, states, “The Lord is near.” For those who face judgment and
refuse to acknowledge their sinful state, the nearness of God is cause for fear
and dread. But for those in Christ, the nearness of God brings a supernatural
peace that “surpasses all understanding.” This is cause for rejoicing and
thanksgiving; it is the basis for the Christian’s daily prayer: “In all
circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”
(1 Thess 5:18).
The Gospel reading is again from the third chapter of Luke,
and it further describes the work of John the Baptist as he baptized and taught
the people, proclaiming the coming Messiah. The prophetic message of Jesus’
cousin had affected powerfully those who were generally considered by the
religious authorities to be on the edges of society: the poor, tax collectors,
and Roman soldiers. Three times John is asked: “What should we do?” It is a
question repeated elsewhere in Luke’s writings in situations dealing with
conversion (Lk 10:25; 18:18; Acts 2:37; 16:30; 22:10). Like his prophetic
predecessors, John is a teacher of morals who urges his listeners to conversion
and righteousness. The coming of the Savior is a cause for rejoicing; it is
also a call to repentance, and to practice justice and mercy.
When questioned about his identity, John explains that the
Christ will not baptize only with water, but with the Holy Spirit and fire, a
foreshadowing of the powerful events on a future day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
It also highlights the message of salvation and judgment, both of which come in
the Person of Jesus Christ. Are we, like Mary, ready to meet Him? Do we, like
John, recognize Him among us?
(Originally published in the December 17, 2006, edition of
Our Sunday Visitor.)
•
Benedict XVI: Advent "invites us to remain silent as we come to appreciate a presence." (Nov. 30, 2009)
•
Two for Advent (Nov. 19, 2009)
•
"Be Vigilant At All Times" | A Reflection on the First Sunday of Advent | Carl E. Olson
• The Mystery Made Present To Us | Fr. Alfred
Delp, S.J.
• "All of life is Advent": On the life and death
of Alfred Delp, S.J. | Abtei St. Walburg
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