3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A

Isaiah 35:1-6  

James 5:7-10  

Matthew 11:2-11

GAUDETE SUNDAY: ANTICIPATING THE JOY OF SALVATION

Advent is a season of joyful expectation, a season of waiting. Thus, today’s readings give us two characteristics of effective waiting: hope and patience. Hope allows us to anticipate the joy of possessing what we are waiting for, whereas patience enables us not to lose heart or give up no matter how long our waiting may be. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah invites us to rejoice and sing for joy, because God himself is coming to save us. This salvation means bringing healing, liberation, restoration, fulfilment, wholeness and holiness (Is. 35:1-6). 

Unfortunately, there are people, even Christians, who always have funeral and morose faces. They always complain and lament over their difficulties, sicknesses, losses, and problems. They become impatient with God, thinking that God does not care. This impatience leads to frustration, anger, anxiety, and unhappiness. But like the farmer who patiently waits until the fruits of his labour are ripe, we too should be patient, just as the second reading tells us. We must not lose heart, for the Lord is coming soon (James 5:7-10). 

This need to be full of hope and patience must be coupled with our capacity to recognize the signs of God’s presence. St John the Baptist was a great prophet who recognized Jesus as the long awaited Messiah in the Jordan River. When he was in prison, having heard about Jesus’ ministry, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus: ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for somebody else?’ Jesus sent them back pointing at his signs and wonders as tangible evidence that he is the Messiah. The prophecy of Isaiah is being realized: God has come to save his people (Mt 11: 2-11).

As we await and prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, may we be filled with joy and hope. In every life situation, let us never lose heart, for the Lord is our Salvation. May he open our eyes of faith to recognize him as he comes each day to us in various ways and especially in the Eucharist. Amen