Gaudete Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Phi 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

 

Gaudete Sunday

Zep 3:14-18a; Phi 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 (Advent C 2)

“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I say it again, rejoice.”

Why did thousands come out to hear John the Baptist preach? It had been hundreds of years since a prophet had spoken out and performed signs. John broke the long silence with the sudden announcement that the Messiah was about to appear as was promised through the patriarchs of the old covenant, the prophets, and rulers of Israel to save people from their sins, and oppression and fill them with the joy of his presence (Zep 3:17).

 

John’s task was to wake people from spiritual sleep and turn them back to hear God’s voice and obey his commandments. Luke mentions two groups in particular who came to John for spiritual renewal. They were tax collectors and Jewish soldiers belonging to the Roman peace-keeping forces. Both groups were regarded as spiritually unfit and unclean and were treated as outcasts. John welcomed them to be baptized in the River Jordan.

 

John’s message of renewal and repentance suggested three things: First, every follower of God must share one’s wealth with those who do not have anything in life. John recognized that one has a key duty to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18). Second, John pointed out the sacred duty to give respect and honor where it is due. He instructed soldiers and tax collectors not to misuse their authority or power to compel people to give. He did not tell them to leave their profession but to be good, honest, and respectful soldiers. And thirdly, he exhorted his listeners to be content with what they had and to avoid coveting what belonged to others. He called the people to walk in the way of love and righteousness.

 

John’s message of “good news” was that the Messiah would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire”. Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his actions in the world and the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Ex 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God’s glory (Ezk 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kgs 6:17), his holiness (Det. 4:24), his righteous judgment (Zech 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Is 66:15-16).

 

In the New Testament, the image of fire is also used of the Holy Spirit who comes to cleanse us from sin and make us holy (Mt 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God’s fire both purifies us of sin and inspires in us a reverent fear of God and his word. It increases our desire for holiness and the joy of meeting the Lord when he comes again. May the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit burn all that is evil in us and instill his works in us to become joyful in receiving Jesus, our liberator.

“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord”.