Readings for Dec. 14-15, Third Sunday of Advent
By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission
The Third Sunday of Advent centers around joy. From the antiphons at Mass to the rose colored candle to the readings we hear to the “Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel” refrain of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” joy is at the center of our Advent celebration.
A good spiritual exercise for us this Advent weekend might be to imagine the joy of so many different people throughout biblical times to present day.
Imagine yourself among the hearers of Zephaniah’s prophecy today: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed the judgement against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord is in your midst.”
How did joy overcome the people to whom Zephaniah was speaking? Do you imagine the pronouncement sparked smiles on their faces or caused rejoicing with one another?
Rejoice over what God has done. He removed judgement and turned away enemies.
In our lives when we have experienced mercy and had enemies flee, it has brought joy. The joy of these people is known to us. The joy of judgement being removed is felt by us every time the priest prays the words of absolution over us.
The psalmist tells us to “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.” We know now that in the fullness of time, that this is Jesus, the great and Holy One of Israel.
Imagine the rejoicing of people over the presence of Jesus. There are so many we could think of; the rejoicing of those who came to visit him after his birth, like the shepherds or magi. The rejoicing of those he healed and were restored. They rejoiced for what the great and Holy One did for them.
The Gospel draws us to the expectation of John the Baptist and his followers. Imagine the joy they have when John points out to them the one who is the Lamb of God. Imagine the joy, both exterior and interior, the overcome John the Baptist as he sees the one who was the cause of his joyful leaping in Elizabeth’s womb.
Joy surrounds the mystery of Jesus’s life. I imagine that in the presence of Jesus, one could only experience joy.
What brings you joy in these latter days of Advent? What aspect of Jesus’ nativity sparks joy in your soul? How can you bring joy to someone in the days of Advent that remain?
In your prayer today, imagine the joy of people as they hear of and encounter the Good News. Pray that you might be more joyful in your thoughts, actions and demeanor, so that you might be a bearer of joy to the world during this Advent season.
Fr. Looney serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, and priest celebrant at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Cecil. He is the author of the new book “Praying with the Church Through Advent.”
The readings for Sunday, Dec. 15, can be found at Third Sunday of Advent | USCCB.