Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Responsorial Hymn)
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
GAUDETE SUNDAY
Pope Francis remarks that “there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter” (Evangelii Gaudium, 6). Indeed, there are people who always have funeral and morose faces. No smiling, no rejoicing, always complaining, always lamenting over the difficulties, sicknesses, losses, and problems of life. They have thousands of reasons not to be joyful. And yet, today’s liturgy invites us to rejoice, because we are people of hope.
One of the most exciting invitations to joy in the Old Testament is today’s first reading: “Shout for joy, daughter Zion, Israel, shout aloud.” Thus, the prophet Zephaniah summons the people to jubilate, for the Lord is in their midst as a victorious warrior who comes to drive away their enemies, give them peace and protection (Zeph. 3:14-18).
The prophet Isaiah in the responsorial hymn also exhorts the inhabitants of Zion to shout aloud and sing for joy, for great in their midst is the Holy One of Israel (Is. 12:2-6). In the second reading, St Paul admonishes the Philippians to always rejoice, for the Lord is very near. He also exhorts them to present their needs to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-7).
Finally, the call to conversion addressed to the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers by John the Baptist teaches us that joy is also the result of a continuing effort of doing good (Luke 3:10-18). We experience deep joy when we share with others. When we act justly and do not cheat others. When we respect the dignity of all and do not oppress anyone. We experience joy when we are content with the little we have. We experience joy when we keep our hope alive even in seemingly hopeless situation. For with God, there is no hopeless situation. Our God is able and faithful. Let us therefore rejoice no matter what situation we may find ourselves in. Amen
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